Two brothers from Saginaw, Michigan, are facing felony charges in Minnesota after prosecutors say they ran a multi-state gift card theft scheme that defrauded retailers out of more than $63,000.
THE SUSPECTS
Terrell Montel Davis, 21, and his twin brother, Tyrese Montrell Davis, 21, are charged in Minnesota with felony theft by swindle. A third suspect, Donell Rayvonne Ruffin, 21, also from Saginaw, has been charged but remains at large after a warrant for his arrest was issued on July 3, 2025.
HOW THE SCHEME WORKED
Investigators say the men carried out the fraud between April 13 and September 15, 2024, at nine Twin Cities retail stores including Edina, Chaska, Minnetonka, Champlin, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, St. Louis Park, and Brooklyn Park.
The suspects allegedly bought multiple gift cards under $500 to avoid manager oversight. When a payment card was declined, they pressured cashiers to hit the cash button, which forced the register to finalize the sale without any money being taken in. The cards were then used to purchase electronics including iPads and Apple Watches, some of which were shipped to relatives in Saginaw.
Authorities estimate losses at more than $63,700. One Champlin incident saw 27 transactions in just 16 minutes for a total of $11,534, while a Brooklyn Park case added up to $16,800 and another in St. Louis Park nearly $9,000.
BOND AND COURT APPEARANCES
Terrell Montel Davis was granted bail of $80,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 27, 2025.
Tyrese Montrell Davis was granted bail of $40,000. His case is moving toward a potential jury trial date of October 6, 2025.
OTHER STATE CASES
Court records show the brothers have no prior criminal convictions, however they are facing felony charges in several other states for similar crimes:
– Connecticut: Felony 3° Larceny
– Florida: Felony Grand Theft
– Pennsylvania: Felony Robbery and Felony Conspiracy
– Washington: Felony 2° Organized Retail Theft and Felony 2° Theft
At this time Metro Detroit Crime Report is not aware of any criminal cases connected to these suspects in Michigan.
STATUS OF THIRD SUSPECT
Donell Rayvonne Ruffin remains wanted on felony theft by swindle charges. Minnesota authorities continue to seek his whereabouts.
