RVtravel.com readers may remember the story of a slick scam artist who drove off with a new RV and a pickup truck from two Billings-area dealerships using fake financial documents. Now, there’s a new twist in the saga of the Montana RV dealership theft: Finally, a step forward in efforts to bring the suspect to justice.
Bogus checks and paperwork in Montana RV dealership theft
Earlier this month, Bretz RV & Marine and Denny Menholt Ford were both taken in by Jonathan Shane Roberts, who allegedly used bogus checks and paperwork to make off with a Ford F-350 truck and a high-end Brinkley travel trailer. The thefts sparked a multi-state investigation and led the dealerships to offer a $10,000 reward for Roberts’ arrest.
RV recovered in sting operation
Thanks to a sting operation coordinated with law enforcement in Homedale, Idaho, Bretz RV was able to recover the stolen trailer. According to Dustin Bretz, vice president of the dealership, local police played a key role in locating the rig. “Working with the local police chief in Homedale, he helped coordinate a sting operation to try and collect that trailer,” Bretz said.
Unfortunately, the operation didn’t result in Roberts’ capture—because there was still no warrant for his arrest.
Dealer frustrated over delayed warrant
Bretz expressed serious frustration that, despite law enforcement knowing where Roberts was, red tape kept them from arresting him on the spot. “It cannot take two weeks or a week to turn around a warrant when there’s this kind of leads. That’s just completely unacceptable,” he said.
Arrest warrant finally issued
That changed this week. On Monday, Yellowstone County finally issued an arrest warrant for Roberts. He now faces four felony charges in district court, including theft and issuing bad checks.
Court documents show the trail started on July 2, when Roberts allegedly used a phony check to buy a Ford F-350 from Denny Menholt Chevrolet. When the check bounced, dealership employees tried calling numbers Roberts had given and even visited a listed residence, but he was nowhere to be found.
Just days later, on July 8, Roberts struck again—this time at Bretz RV in Lockwood. Using more fake checks totaling more than $102,000, he walked away with the travel trailer.
By July 16, both the stolen truck and RV had been located in Caldwell, Idaho. But Roberts had already slipped away.
Multi-state criminal ties
The investigation uncovered that Roberts isn’t new to this kind of crime. He reportedly has ties and criminal records in Montana, Texas, and Louisiana, making this a multi-state fraud case.
Still on the loose—but dealers not giving up
Though the warrant is finally out, Roberts is still at large. Police in Idaho say the search continues. “We are looking forward to capturing him and taking him into custody safely,” said Rob Rosin of the Caldwell Police Department.
Meanwhile, Dustin Bretz is keeping the pressure on, thanking readers and social media users for helping spread the word. “Have all the confidence in the world that we will get Jonathan Shane Roberts,” he said.
Key takeaways for RVers:
- Always double-check buyer identities when selling RVs privately.
- Be cautious with check transactions—even if they seem official.
- Don’t be taken in by sight-unseen “buyers” who send you a partial payment.
Stay alert for updates on this case, especially if you’re in Idaho, Montana, or nearby areas. This case is a strong reminder of how far some thieves will go—and how important it is for RVers and dealerships alike to stay informed and vigilant.
Arrest warrant news source ktvq.com
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RVT1220b
When making a private sale, always demand cash or a money transfer at a bank.
Also, use a notary to transfer the title.
Get this done the day of the sale so your name is no longer tied to the vehicle.
And remove your plates.
He needs a “visit” from Lucca.
Thank you for the update to this story, Russ and Tina! I look forward to the story of his arrest, conviction, sentencing, and incarceration. Have a great day and safe travels!