KC man accused of using stolen credit cards to buy gift cards across the metro

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Multiple fraud charges have been filed against a Kansas City man.

Avion Brown is facing four felony counts of fraudulent use of a credit device.

Court documents said he’s been stealing credit cards out of cars and buying hundreds of dollars’ worth of gift cards at a time. He allegedly stole credit cards out of cars in Kansas City, Missouri, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park and Paola.

“The initial count right now has 19 different cards stolen out of 31 incidents and then those cards used,” Sgt. Chris Depue, with the Lee’s Summit Police Department said.

Last week, Independence Police arrested Brown outside this Walmart, off Bolger.

An employee spotted brown, and she notified an off-duty Independence Police Officer.
Brown tried to get away, according to court documents, but he was unsuccessful and got arrested.

Officers found multiple cards that did not have his name.

Court documents show they were stolen from cars in Lee’s Summit at legacy park or paragon star sports complex.

“Initially we saw some thefts at Lake Jacomo and some of the recreational facilities there, as well as some of the parks and rec facilities,” Depue said.

According to court documents, since March, police caught Brown on camera making several purchases.

Detectives said he used stolen credit and debit cards from people across the area. The thefts happened at Swope Park and a Walmart in Paola, according to court documents.

Brown has also been a suspect in nine fraud cases at the Lee’s Summit Police Department.

As well as a suspect in theft cases in Leawood and Overland Park.

Lee’s Summit Police Sergeant Chris Depue encourages people to lock your vehicles and don’t keep your cards in your car.

“Keep your cards with you,” Depue said. “If a card is lost or stolen a lot of them have apps on your phone where you can freeze the card if you think you’ve just lost it. If the card is lost, report it and deactivate it as soon as you can.”

Police anticipate linking him to more cases as the investigation continues.

In 2014, Brown was found guilty of theft and criminal use of a credit card in Johnson County.

Just two months ago, he also pleaded guilty to similar charges in Boone County.

The judge kept browns bond at $25,000. At this point, Brown still needs an attorney.
His next court appearance is in one week to check on the status of finding a lawyer.

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