Suspect in ‘Quick Change’ Scam at The Woodlands Mall Arrested

On August 22, 2024, Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to The Woodlands Patrol Division, responded to a report of a suspicious person at The Woodlands Mall. The suspect was reportedly engaged in a “Quick Change” scam, a sleight-of-hand trick designed to deceive cashiers into accepting less money than the total purchase amount.

Deputies located the suspect within the mall and pursued him as he fled the scene. After a brief foot chase, the suspect was successfully apprehended. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed merchandise and over $18,000 in cash, all linked to various thefts across multiple stores.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detectives were called in to assist with the investigation. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Ion Szep, was found to have multiple felony warrants throughout the United States. Szep was arrested for theft and the outstanding felony warrants and is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail.

Sheriff Henderson commended the Deputies and Detectives for their dedication. “This arrest is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Deputies and Detectives,” said Sheriff Henderson. “Their swift response and thorough investigation led to the apprehension of a suspect with a history of criminal activity across the country.”