Detroit Man Targeted in $100K Viral Video Kidnapping Plot; Five Suspects Charged
DETROIT, Mich. — Federal prosecutors say five people, including relatives of the victim, have been charged in a conspiracy to kidnap and rob a Detroit man after a viral video showed him being gifted $100,000 by a social media influencer.
Viral Video Turns Deadly Serious
The case centers on Curtis Dixon, who gained attention in late August when influencer Zach Dereniowski, known online as MDMotivator, surprised him with cash and gifts for helping a man who appeared to be blind. The clip went viral, portraying Dixon as a Good Samaritan.
Weeks later, authorities say Dixon became the target of a family-driven plot to seize the money and other valuables.
The Kidnapping
On September 1, Dixon was allegedly lured by Leica Doreen Lopez Martinez, who asked for a ride near Vernor Avenue, claiming her car had broken down. When Dixon stopped, armed suspects ambushed him, tied his hands and feet, pulled his shirt over his head, and threatened to kill his wife if he did not comply.
Investigators say Dixon was forced into his GMC Yukon Denali, driven to ATMs, and then taken to his home where suspects tied up his wife and stole a safe.
Later that day, Dixon was found injured near his burning SUV on Detroit’s east side after witnesses pulled him from the flames.
Suspects Identified
The five suspects charged in federal court are:
- Roland Terrell Chatmon (Dixon’s nephew)
- Dnequia Stroman
- Ieasha Ann Stroman
- Leica Doreen Lopez Martinez
- Kenneth Paul Anderson
Each faces charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
Court documents detail recorded phone calls between Chatmon, his jailed brother, and their mother, where they allegedly discussed Dixon’s newfound wealth and plotted to “get a couple portions of those dollars.”
Family Betrayal
Neighbors expressed shock at the family connection. One resident said, “To find out that his own family got something to do with that — that’s heartbreaking.”
Authorities confirmed evidence including GPS data, surveillance video, ATM withdrawals, weapons, and drugs were recovered during search warrants executed in late September.
What’s Next
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has not yet scheduled federal court dates for the suspects. Meanwhile, Dixon, who once drew national sympathy for struggling to pay bills before his viral moment, is now recovering from the traumatic ordeal.
Do you believe viral videos are making ordinary people more vulnerable to targeted crimes? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
