Tonganoxie man convicted of fraudulently purchasing auto parts

Joel Walsh
The Leavenworth County Justice Center at 601 S. Third St., LeavenworthA 39-year-old Tonganoxie man was convicted of fraudulently purchasing parts from a local auto parts store.
Travis Donell pleaded guilty Friday in Leavenworth County District Court to two charges of felony theft. The court accepted Donell’s plea and found him guilty, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.
Donell made the fraudulent purchases using a charge account that did not belong to him. While investigating the case, officers returned to the store after it was reported that Donell was making another purchase. Officers arrived to find Donell at the register. Donell denied being at the store earlier but confirmed his truck was parked outside. The truck was towed due to being illegally parked, and an inventory search was conducted; during a search of the truck, an invoice from the store was found on the passenger seat. The invoice matched the fraudulent purchase made earlier that day.
As part of the plea agreement, Donell agreed to pay the store $1,809.64 in restitution.
“To help prevent this activity or catch it before it becomes more problematic, it’s prudent for businesses and consumers to review charging statements for any unauthorized use,” Thompson said.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22.