Oakdale Target Hit by Alleged Fraudsters

Oakdale’s store—along with more than 10 others in the metro area—fell victim to a check fraud scheme that cost the stores more than $12,000 total, according to a press release from the Minnesota District U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Three people were indicted in federal court last week in connection with the scheme, according to the news release. 

Ci’Preaunni Ja’Von Stewart, 21, and Ryan Lamarr Chambers were charged with 19 counts of bank fraud in one indictment. Jamee Leah Spillman, 38, was charged with 15 counts of bank fraud in a separate indictment, according to the release.

Between July and October of 2011, the three allegedly bought merchandise at the stores with counterfeit checks, according to the release. They allegedly said the checks were traveler’s checks, which delayed the discovery that the checks were counterfeit, the release says.

They purchased items worth more than $12,375, the release says.

Each defendant faces a possible maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for each count, according to the release.