Curtis Dixon, Detroit man gifted $100K by YouTuber MD Motivator kidnapped & left for dead in torched car as feds investigate possible extortion case

A 60-year-old Detroit man who was gifted $100,000 from a YouTuber 'for completing an act of kindness' claims he was kidnapped, robbed, and left tied up in a burned-out truck.

Curtis Dixon was allegedly found hog-tied inside his SUV on Detroit's east side on Monday, September 1. The truck was set on fire. Fortunately for Dixon, cops arrived and rescued him.

During questioning, Dixon informed cops that he was kidnapped by'some males', forced to withdraw money from ATMs, beaten, tied up inside his car, and the vehicle was set on fire, leaving Dixon for dead.

After many days of investigating Dixon's alleged abduction, the FBI has taken over the case from Detroit police. 

Dixon made headlines in August when he received $100,000 from MD Motivator aka Zach Dereniowski, a YouTuber known for rewarding acts of kindness. The influencer had posed as a blind man in need, and Dixon offered him money despite having little himself.

The 60-year-old was there to pawn his wedding ring so he could get his lights turned back on, but he took a moment to help the stranger.

The encounter, captured in viral video led to a stunned Dixon being handed $1,000 in cash from Dereniowski. In a second video posted to Dereniowski’s TikTok page, Dixon is seen receiving more money raised from supporters around the world ultimately amounting to $100,000.

But the fairytale didn’t last long.

Federal authorities investigate alleged abduction, extortion case

Just over a week later, Dixon told authorities he was lured to a location near Mt. Elliot and Nevada, where he was kidnapped, driven to various ATMs to withdraw money, beaten, and tied up before his SUV was set on fire. Witnesses reported discovering him restrained inside the vehicle.

While investigators have identified contradictions in Dixon's testimony, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case as possible arson, kidnapping, and extortion. According to FOX 2, Dixon is currently residing in an unidentified location as the FBI investigation continues.

Authorities have yet to explain why Dixon made up the claim despite suspected contradictions.