Monroe County, IL — Two Missouri men are in custody today after investigators say they carried out a multi-state auto theft and dealership fraud scheme that targeted businesses in Monroe County and surrounding areas this week.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to Brooks Motor Company in Waterloo around 4:29 p.m. Wednesday after a 2011 BMW was reported stolen. Investigators later determined the vehicle had allegedly been fraudulently obtained earlier that afternoon using a counterfeit cashier’s check and a fake out-of-state driver’s license.
Authorities say dealership employees reported the suspects arrived in a blue Chrysler PT Cruiser, presented an Oklahoma driver’s license bearing a woman’s name, and used a Bank of America cashier’s check for more than $5,000, which was later confirmed to be fraudulent.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Investigations Division partnered with the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, where investigators identified similarities to a previous dealership fraud case in Millstadt, Illinois.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, task force investigators located and recovered the stolen BMW in St. Louis City, Missouri. Parked nearby was the same PT Cruiser used in the earlier transaction.
Investigators then learned the PT Cruiser had allegedly been fraudulently purchased that same day from Midway Motors in unincorporated Monroe County, using a Washington State driver’s license and a $4,300 counterfeit cashier’s check, according to authorities. A photo taken by dealership staff helped confirm the suspects’ identities.
Both suspects were later linked to active felony warrants from Winnebago County, Illinois, for similar offenses, investigators said.
On Friday morning, Monroe County investigators, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team served arrest warrants at a residence in St. Louis City. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Authorities say evidence recovered included materials used to manufacture fraudulent identification documents, counterfeit cashier’s checks, and dealership vehicle keys.
Charged:
- Davonte L. Weatherford, 29, St. Louis, Missouri
- Jamesihia T. Isaac, 28, St. Louis, Missouri
Charges include:
- Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft – Conspiracy
- Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
- Theft Over $500
- Forgery with Intent to Defraud
Both men are being held at the St. Louis City Justice Center and are expected to be extradited to Monroe County, Illinois.
As with all criminal cases, both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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