Robbers targeting cash apps suspected in over 100 cell phone thefts in downtown Minneapolis

Police believe a group of thieves has stolen more than 100 cellphones in downtown Minneapolis during the past 10 months in a violent scheme that targets victims' financial apps, according to a warrant application and charging documents filed against some of the suspected perpetrators.

The plot begins often around bar close with a member of the group approaching a target and asking if he can add his rap label's account to the person's Instagram, according to the documents, filed in Hennepin County district court in recent weeks. If the target hands over the phone, the suspects steal it and make purchases on the phone's apps or transfer the owner's money into their own accounts. If the owner resists, a member of the group assaults the victim.

Hennepin County prosecutors have charged 18-year-old Kevron Detrell Williams Gray and 21-year-old Jamarcus Robert Tucker, both living in St. Paul, with first-degree robbery and other felonies related to their alleged roles in the scheme. Tucker was charged last week with robbery and assault and is jailed in lieu of $300,000 bail. Gray was charged in late July and is jailed in lieu of $250,000 bail.

https://www.startribune.com/warrant-grifters-targeting-cash-apps-suspected-in-over-100-cell-phones-thefts-downtown-minneapolis/600202085/