Pretend Ad Rep Banks $21,420

A Northfield man has been charged with felony theft by swindle for selling false advertising to a Minnetonka business owner and dozens of others.

Brett Roger Bamonte, 44, recently appeared in court for allegedly selling $21,420 in advertising space on fliers that were never distributed.

Police say that on May 16, a small business owner received a call from Bamonte, identifying himself as "Brett Rogers," owner of "Deep Black," a sealcoating business. He asked the business owner to contribute to an advertising venture for small local businesses. The man from Minnetonka met Bamonte at Wendy's in Minnetonka and paid him $1,017. 

According to police, Bamonte cashed a total of 30 checks from various businesses in the amount of $21,420 at Rapid Cash Plus in Lakeville.

In a photo line-up, 10 business owners identified Bamonte, according to court documents.