News Release

Concession employee sentenced to prison for fraud in Yellowstone

Date: March 2, 2015
Contact: Investigative Services Branch, [phone]

Sunrise over the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

NPS photo by J Williams

Concession employee sentenced to prison for fraud in Yellowstone

A man who recently pleaded guilty to theft charges stemming from fraudulent use of a credit card in Yellowstone National Park was sentenced to 60 days in prison and a year of supervised release.

Duane Rhoades was a concession employee in the park in 2009 when he committed the theft.

In November of 2010, a woman reported that Rhoades had stolen her credit card information and then used it to purchase items while within the park's boundaries.

As a result of their investigation, ISB Special Agents revealed a series of fraudulent purchases by Rhoades totaling nearly $2,800 between September 4 and October 13, 2009. The total financial loss to the victim was estimated at $4,600.

Rhoades was arrested in January of 2015 on a warrant in Washington State; he was held in custody while he awaited trial. Park Rangers from Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area assisted with the coordination and transport of Rhoades for his initial court appearance.

In addition to his incarceration and probation, Rhoades was ordered to pay full restitution to the victim.

ISB is on the web at www.nps.gov/isb 

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