$37K Restitution Set in Case Tied to Rochester Phone Theft Scam

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) -A Rochester man will not have to serve additional time behind bars, but he has been ordered to pay nearly $37,000 in restitution for a conviction connected to a theft scheme that cost a local business more than $100,000.

According to Olmsted County court records, 28-year-old Tavontae Timmy Kidd-Starks and 29-year-old Ajuda Mastar Nywesh were accused of operating the scheme from November 2022 through January 2023. The documents say that is when Rochester police responded to an undisclosed business in southwest Rochester to investigate a report of employees assisting with thefts.

Investigators Outline How the Scheme Worked

The criminal complaints against both men state that investigators were told they would open new phone lines for a group of individuals who had phone numbers and passcodes for existing accounts. It was alleged that members of that group would then come to the store and pay the sales tax on the transaction before leaving with new devices without paying for them.

One of the store’s managers told Rochester police that Kidd-Starks and Nywesh gave out more than 100 phones, tablets, and watches. In exchange for opening the new lines, the charges allege the two men benefited by receiving increased commission payments on the bogus sales.

Court Documents Reveal Extent of Losses

The court documents say Kidd-Starks was accused of being responsible for nearly $37,000 in losses for the business, and Nywesh allegedly gave out more than $64,000 worth of merchandise and services. Information about how many individuals received the devices or how they obtained the information and passcodes for the existing accounts is not included in the criminal complaint.

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Earlier this year, Kidd-Starks entered a plea agreement and admitted to a felony theft charge involving the diversion of corporate property. He and Nywesh were originally charged with counts of theft by swindle and felony theft.

Kidd-Starks has been sentenced to five years on probation. His restitution totals $36,849.

The criminal case against Nywesh is still pending, and he is currently scheduled to stand trial next year.