2 suspects face charges in connection with fake cell-phone scam at Iowa Walmart

One man has been arrested and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of another after a scam that occurred at a Walmart in West Burlington earlier this year, according to a news release from the West Burlington Police Department.

On May 26, the release says West Burlington police were made aware of a scam that was occurring at Walmart in West Burlington. Between April 12 and May 12, fake cellphones were being placed in an EcoATM inside the store and suspects received cash.

Through an extensive investigation, officers identified suspects Jacob Johnson and Damone Manning from Burlington, the release says. Fake "cell phones" were being created out of pictures
and cardboard-box models and placed inside the EcoATM in about 80 transactions, the release shows. (At an EcoATM, you can trade in a cell phone for a cash offer, and the kiosk dispenses money directly from the machine if you accept the trade-in offer.)

Officers received warrants for Jacob Johnson and Damone Manning related to
multiple charges, the release says.

On Sept. 30, Johnson was arrested on charges of ongoing criminal conduct - unlawful activity, second-degree theft, and six counts of falsifying public documents, the release says.

According to the release, on Friday, Oct. 2, Manning was arrested on charges of ongoing criminal conduct, unlawful activity, second-degree theft and trespass.

This is still an ongoing investigation and "future arrests may still apply," according to police.

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