Five people charged for kidnapping man who was gifted $100k by YouTuber

Five people have been charged in an elaborate conspiracy theory to kill and rob a man after he was gifted $100,000 by YouTuber MD Motivator.

Five people, including relatives, have been federally charged in an alleged conspiracy to kidnap and rob a Detroit man who went viral after receiving $100,000 from a social media influencer.

Curtis Dixon was recognized by influencer Zach Dereniowski, also known as MDMotivator, in August after helping someone who appeared blind. The YouTuber gave him gifts, including a new car and cash raised through crowdfunding.

Prosecutors say Dixon later became the victim of a violent plot. He and his wife were tied up, robbed, and driven around to withdraw money at ATMs before his SUV was set on fire with him inside. Witnesses pulled him from the burning vehicle.

Federal charges filed

A 27-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan names Roland Terrell Chatmon, Dnequia Stroman, Ieasha Ann Stroman, Leica Doreen Lopez Martinez, and Kenneth Paul Anderson as suspects.

Chatmon, Dixon’s nephew, allegedly discussed the windfall in recorded jail calls with his brother, saying Dixon had received “a crib” and “100 racks.” Investigators say those conversations helped shape the plan to kidnap and rob him.

According to investigators, Lopez Martinez lured Dixon by asking for a ride, leading to an ambush. He was bound, blindfolded, and threatened with his wife’s life if he didn’t cooperate.

Cell phone data, bank surveillance, and ATM footage were used to trace the suspects’ movements. Items from a stolen safe, drugs, and firearms were later recovered during search warrants.

In September, MDMotivator went viral on TikTok after helping a homeless mother of two get a home, daycare, a job, and even $250,000.