Detroit, Michigan – What started as a stroke of good fortune for a Michigan man helping a social media influencer pretending to be blind turned into a nightmare when his own family allegedly robbed and kidnapped him, authorities say.
Viral Act of Kindness Turns Rewarding
On August 15, the victim noticed a man outside a pawn shop in Detroit acting as if he were blind. After stopping to help, the man revealed himself to be a social media influencer named MDMotivator (Zach Dereniowski). In response, the influencer organized a GoFundMe that raised over $100,000 and a new car for the victim.
“We need more people like Curtis in this world,” Dereniowski told local media. “Everyone can do these small acts because the small acts are what matters. Everyone that had a small amount to give wanted to give to you because they felt your heart.”
Family Conspiracy Leads to Kidnapping
Instead of celebrating the windfall, the victim’s nephew, Roland Terrell Chatmon, allegedly plotted to rob and kidnap him. According to a probable cause affidavit, Chatmon conspired with his mother and brother—the latter an inmate at Wayne County Jail—to “turn a hustle” on his uncle.
Phone recordings captured Chatmon saying:
“I need some racks real quick. I’m tired of this s—.”
In another conversation, he allegedly told his mother:
“Ma, faster than ya’ll gambling. I be done got a good ten grand.”
Home Invasion and Vehicle Abduction
On September 1, Detroit police launched an investigation after a home invasion and kidnapping at the victim’s southwest Detroit residence. The victim’s wife reported that two armed individuals tied her up and demanded “where is the money”, before stealing a safe.
Later, authorities found the victim tied up near his burning GMC Yukon Denali on Detroit’s east side. He told police that he was driven around in his own truck while the suspects withdrew cash from multiple ATMs and returned home to steal the safe.
Victim’s Encounter with an Accomplice
The victim also picked up a woman identified as Lecia Lopez Martinez, who claimed her car had been taken. Soon, armed suspects approached his truck demanding money, threatening to kill his wife if he did not comply.
Investigations and Evidence
Federal agents analyzed bank records, Cash App transfers, license plate data, and phone locations to map the conspiracy. Surveillance videos confirmed ATM withdrawals. Other suspects included Ieasha Stroman, Dnequia Stroman, and Kenneth Anderson, who were involved in moving stolen funds between accounts.
ATF agents recovered guns and clothing used during the robbery after raiding suspects’ homes and hotel rooms.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
All five suspects are currently facing conspiracy to commit kidnapping charges. Authorities are continuing to monitor the case as investigations progress.
Background on the Viral Incident
The initial encounter occurred when the victim attempted to pawn his wife’s wedding ring to pay bills. Instead, a simple act of kindness toward a man he thought was blind led to a viral social media story, a generous GoFundMe, and the attention of local media.
“Everyone can do these small acts,” said MDMotivator. “That’s where all this money came from. Everyone that had a small amount to give wanted to give to you because they felt your heart.”
Staying Safe and Vigilant
Authorities urge residents to be cautious with sudden windfalls and to trust their instincts with unfamiliar acquaintances, even family. Legal experts emphasize the importance of documenting all communications and immediately reporting threats or suspicious activity.
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