A shocking family betrayal unfolded in Michigan when a nephew and four conspirators plotted to kidnap and torture his uncle in a violent heist to steal $100,000 in crowdfunding donations, federal prosecutors revealed. The scheme, which involved pistol-whipping, hostage-taking, and arson, followed the uncle’s viral act of kindness that earned him the hefty payout.
From Viral Fame to a Violent Scheme
Curtis Dixon became an internet sensation in August 2025 after helping Zachery Dereniowski, a TikTok influencer known as MDMotivator, who was pretending to be blind for a video. Touched by Dixon’s generosity, Dereniowski rewarded him with $100,000, a new car, and other gifts—all highly publicized online. That visibility, however, made Dixon a target.
According to federal court documents and plea admissions, Dixon’s nephew, Roland Chatmon, 37, learned of his uncle’s windfall while discussing plans with his incarcerated brother in a recorded jail call. The conversation took a chilling turn as they laughed about orchestrating a robbery. Chatmon enlisted four accomplices—Leica Lopez Martinez, 33; Ieasha Stroman, 38; Dneiqua Stroman, 43; and Kenneth Anderson, 54—to carry out the brutal attack.
The Kidnapping and Torture
On September 1, 2025, the group sprung their trap. One accomplice lured Dixon under false pretenses before the others ambushed him in his truck, carjacking him at gunpoint. They bound him, beat him repeatedly, and forced him to withdraw cash from his bank accounts. Desperate, Dixon offered up a safe at his home—only for Chatmon and Dneiqua Stroman to break in, tie up Dixon’s aunt in the bathtub, and steal it.
The attackers then abandoned Dixon next to his burning truck, which they had set ablaze before fleeing. Anderson later helped launder stolen funds from Dixon’s Cash App account.
Justice Served—But Trauma Lingers
Authorities swiftly dismantled the operation, raiding homes across Detroit, Rochester Hills, and Pontiac within a month. Chatmon, Martinez, and the Stroman sisters pleaded guilty this week, facing minimum sentences of seven years—possibly life—for their roles. Anderson, who pleaded earlier to money laundering, received probation and restitution orders.
Dixon, still struggling to recover financially and emotionally, hasn’t reclaimed all of the stolen donations. “When I found out it was family, I was so hurt. I couldn’t believe it,” he told WXYZ. “I expected somebody on the streets to do it to me before a family member would.” He added, “I’d rather be broke and happy, any day… than rich and have to look over my shoulder.”
The case underscores the dark side of viral fame—and the lengths greed can drive even family members to go.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/crime/2026/11/06/nephew-and-conspirators-hatched-plan-to-rob-uncle-of-100000-from-crowdfunding-donations/