2 Men Charged for Fraudulent Donation Scheme at Rapid City Walmart

Davion Bell and Trvone Stokes accused of posing as high school athletic group to collect funds

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Two men, Davion Bell of Riverdale, Illinois and Trvone Stokes of Chicago, have been arrested and charged with fraud for setting up unauthorized donation collection tables at the entrances of a Rapid City, South Dakota Walmart. The men claimed to be representing a local high school athletic organization but had no actual connection to it and could not account for where the collected money was going.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of fraudulent charity and donation scams that target unsuspecting shoppers, especially at major retail locations. It also raises concerns about the need for better regulation and oversight of third-party fundraising activities on private commercial property.

The details

According to police, Bell and Stokes set up tables at the Walmart store entrances and were soliciting donations, claiming the funds were for a local high school athletic program. However, the men could not provide any documentation or account for where the collected money was actually going. Bell is also facing an additional charge for providing false information to officers during the investigation.

  • The incident occurred on March 2, 2026.

The players

Davion Bell

A resident of Riverdale, Illinois who was arrested and charged with fraud for the donation scheme at the Rapid City Walmart.

Trvone Stokes

A resident of Chicago who was arrested and charged alongside Davion Bell for the fraudulent donation collection at the Rapid City Walmart.

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What they’re saying

“We must crack down on these types of scams that take advantage of people's generosity and good will.”

— Mayor Steve Allender, Mayor of Rapid City (Rapid City Journal)

What’s next

The two men are scheduled to appear in court next week to face the fraud charges. Authorities are also investigating whether the pair may have conducted similar schemes at other retail locations.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance for shoppers to be vigilant when approached by solicitors claiming to represent charities or organizations, and to only donate through verified channels to ensure their money goes to legitimate causes.