Cops Recommend 41 Charges for Cheyenne Travel Agent in Fraud Case
Cheyenne police are recommending theft and fraud charges be filed against 48-year-old Brian Box, the former operator of a travel agency in the Frontier Mall.
According to an affidavit, Box ran Top Travel -- which also conducted business under the name of The Outdoor Pursuit -- and is alleged to have defrauded 34 customers out of more than $125,000 in late 2018 and early 2019.
"Investigators determined Box was keeping the deposits for himself and canceling people’s trips while pocketing the refunds," said Officer Kevin Malatesta.
"Many of the victims in this case were unaware that their trips had not been scheduled as expected or had been canceled until they contacted the airlines and hotels directly," he added.
A warrant was issued for Box in January 2019 and he was arrested in Wichita Falls, Texas on Sept. 21. He was extradited back to Cheyenne on Oct. 14 and remains in custody at the Laramie County jail.
Police have recommended the Laramie County District Attorney's Office charge Box with 25 counts of felony theft, seven counts of misdemeanor theft, seven counts of check fraud and two counts of credit card fraud.
Box is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court Thursday at 2 p.m.