Detroit Man’s $100,000 Gift Turns into Kidnapping, Conspiracy, and Arson
A Detroit man who gained local fame and a substantial financial windfall after a random act of kindness was the target of a violent kidnapping and robbery plot allegedly orchestrated by family members and associates. Federal charges have been filed against five individuals – Roland Terrell Chatmon, Dnequia Stroman, Ieasha Ann Stroman, Leica Doreen Lopez Martinez, and Kenneth Paul Anderson – in connection with the elaborate scheme that culminated in an attempted arson.
Curtis Dixon became the recipient of over $100,000 in donations and gifts after being recognized by social media influencer Zach Dereniowski, known as MDMotivator, in late August. Dereniowski, in a staged encounter, posed as a visually impaired man and publicly praised Dixon for being the “first kind person to help him.” This act of generosity unexpectedly thrust Dixon into the spotlight and, authorities now allege, made him a target.
The 27-page federal complaint details a conspiracy to kidnap Dixon, force him to withdraw funds from his bank accounts, and steal his property. According to the complaint, Dixon is identified as “Victim 1,” while his wife is “Victim 2.” The harrowing ordeal began on September 1st, when Dixon was allegedly lured into a trap by Leica Doreen Lopez Martinez, who requested a ride under the pretense of a car breakdown.
After driving Lopez Martinez to the Filer Avenue area on Detroit’s east side, Dixon was ambushed by additional suspects. He was bound, blindfolded, and threatened with violence against his wife if he didn’t comply with their demands. The suspects then forced Dixon to drive to multiple ATMs to withdraw cash and to his home to steal a safe.
Investigators say Dixon was also subjected to physical abuse during the kidnapping. Witnesses reported pulling him from his burning GMC Yukon Denali after suspects set the vehicle ablaze with him inside. Dixon ultimately survived the attack, but sustained injuries.
The alleged plot originated with a phone call from Chatmon’s brother, who was incarcerated at the Wayne County Jail. On August 20th, Chatmon reportedly stated in a recorded conversation, “I said that ***** better not make me turn a hustle.” He then discussed Dixon’s newfound wealth, referencing a new car, a house, and “100 racks” – slang for $100,000. Subsequent calls revealed a growing desperation for funds and a plan to exploit Dixon’s generosity.
On August 22nd, Chatmon told his brother he was “trying to figure some s**t out” because he needed to borrow “cheese,” a term for money. By August 24th, a three-way call involving Chatmon, his brother, and their mother revealed a more concrete plan. Chatmon’s brother declared, “Twin it’s time to come out of retirement baby,” to which Chatmon responded, “Hey man, I can get a couple portions of those dollars.”
The same day Dixon’s wife was the victim of a home invasion. She reported that two armed suspects entered their Southwest Detroit residence, pointed a gun at her, tied her up, and stole a safe. Simultaneously, police responded to a vehicle fire near Mount Elliot and Nevada, discovering Dixon’s Denali engulfed in flames.
Following the kidnapping, Chatmon allegedly discussed the incident with his brother in a jailhouse phone call on September 1st. According to investigators, Chatmon said, “They done got the old YN man… They done got (Dixon’s) a dawg. Somebody got that ** bro… They caught the with his pants down.” He reportedly provided details about the kidnapping, and his brother questioned whether the victim even had the money they were after. Chatmon responded that they got him for something “light.”
Further calls on September 6th revealed potential familial connections between the suspects, with Chatmon referring to Dnequia Stroman as a family member and mentioning Lopez Martinez. Chatmon’s brother warned Dixon to “get right” or face further consequences, stating that “YNs” and “Young bches” would “get on his a again.”
A subsequent search warrant executed by ATF agents on September 25th uncovered drugs and firearms, along with items stolen from the safe. The investigation revealed that Dixon had received significant financial support from the crowdfunding campaign, including $5,000 from Dereniowski, a new car, and $2,500 from American Jewelry and Loan, where he had intended to pawn his wedding ring to cover utility bills.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan is handling the federal charges. As of this report, no future court dates have been announced. The case highlights the dark side of viral generosity and the lengths to which some will go to exploit the kindness of others.
