Last Updated on May 19, 2026 7:50 am
The Boone Police Department has charged two Charlotte men following a sting operation that intercepted a fraud scheme targeting a local tire business, according to a press release issued Monday.
On May 13, 2026, Boone Police were alerted that suspects were attempting to use stolen credit and debit card information to purchase several thousand dollars worth of tractor-trailer tires from a local business. Under the scheme, fraudulent payments are processed and couriers are then dispatched to collect the merchandise before the theft is discovered. When the actual cardholder later reports the unauthorized transaction, the bank initiates a chargeback — leaving the business with neither the tires nor the revenue, a double loss that can run into the thousands of dollars.
In response, the department's Criminal Investigations Division set up an operation on May 15. When three individuals arrived to pick up the tires, they were intercepted by officers. Following interviews and the collection of additional evidence, two suspects were criminally charged.
Julian Hernando Tellez Patino, of Charlotte, was charged with felony obtaining property by false pretenses, felony conspiracy to commit organized retail fraud, and felony identity theft.
Patricio Carlos Lucero-Manan, of Charlotte, was charged with felony obtaining property by false pretenses and felony conspiracy to commit organized retail fraud.
Both were issued secured bonds and given a court date of July 8, 2026. A third individual who arrived with them was interviewed but not charged.
“The Department is very proud of the work put into this case in an effort to stem fraud at a local business,” said Major Houck with the Operations Division. “Sergeant Watson and his team of investigators are working hard to keep residents and businesses safe from these types of scams.”
Boone Police noted that variations of this scam have impacted several Boone businesses over recent years, with a notable increase in frequency recently. Businesses that believe they may have been targeted by a similar scheme are encouraged to contact the Boone Police Department.
PATRICIO CARLOS LUCERO-MANAN
JULIAN HERNANDO TELLEZ-PATINO
