On October 10, 2025, at approximately 12:13 P.M., St. Louis Park Police were dispatched to a theft call at J&F Reddy Rents, located at [ADDRESS REDACTED] in St. Louis Park, Hennepin County. Upon arrival, police spoke with the reporting party R. O. Who stated that on September 9, 2025, a person identifying themselves as Jeffrey Sponder called in to the store to reserve a 3000-watt generator that was to be picked up by a Shante Le-Quan Bates. During the reservation, Sponder provided his credit card information for any incidental incurred, and address in New jersey, and several phone numbers.
Sponder advised the generator was to be used at a job site in Hopkins. Shortly after, SHANTE LE'QUAN BATES aka SHAWN LAQUNE RICHARDS [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, arrived and completed the paperwork for the rental, paid the $143.25 rental fee with cash, and took possession of the generator. Defendant provided his Minnesota ID at the time of the rental and left in a black 2001 Audi A6 (MN NJA853). The generator was a red and black Honda 3000 W Portable Generator worth $2,799. The generator was scheduled to be returned on September 11, 2025, but has not been.
The business sent demand letters to Sponder and Defendant. On October 3, 2025, Jeffrey Sponder called the store advising he had been the victim of an identity theft and had not been the one who made the rental reservation. R. O. Stated the caller did not sound like the individual that made the reservation. The demand letter sent to Defendant was not responded to or returned. At present, Defendant is not in custody.
