Alleged fraudster Gutierrez arrested in tire theft scheme attempted at Aurora biz

A Monett businessman was arrested in Pierce City on Aug. 1 in connection with a credit card fraud case and theft from Jimmy Michel Motors in Aurora.
Trancito Merida Gutierrez, 31, who listed a Monett address, was arrested on Aug. 1 and faces charges of fraudulent use of a credit device and stealing of more than $750. He was held in the Lawrence County Jail and had been denied bond.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Detective Sgt. Montana Sheyenne with the Aurora-Marionville Police Department, also serving as a county deputy, Gutierrez placed an order for 24 Goodyear tires with Jimmy Michel Motors on July 28, valued at more than $10,000. An employee of Gutierrez went to pick up the tires. At that time, a Jimmy Michel employee became aware of the fraud and contacted Aurora police.
On Aug. 1, Gutierrez personally placed a second order for 32 Goodyear tires, valued at $13,000. This transaction was reported as suspicious after Gutierrez ran through “a plethora of different credit card numbers,” finally splitting the cost between two cards. The same employee went to pick up the tires and was taken into custody.
Gutierrez’s employee revealed he was told to deliver the tires to a location in Pierce City. Gutierrez has paid for utilities for a Pierce City residence since January 2024. Using a search warrant, officers went to that location and retrieved tires from the previous purchase. At that time, Gutierrez arrived. The Jimmy Michel employee who initially sold the tires recognized Gutierrez’s voice, resulting in the arrest.
Monett roofing business associated Gutierrez is listed with the Missouri Secretary of State as the registered agent for Gold Roofing and Renovations in Monett, created in August 2022. He has had a business license in the City of Monett for three years.
Gutierrez told officers he bought the tires with cash via Facebook Marketplace, then later said he placed the order through WhatsApp. All those messages had been deleted. He subsequently stated the seller paid Jimmy Michel directly for the tires, and was reimbursed through Western Union. Detective Sheyenne deemed the multiple statements contradictory and lacking credibility.
Investigation into the case was listed as ongoing.