The Shreveport Police Department launched an investigation into a series of similar cell phone thefts connected to the online dating app “Bumble.” The investigation revealed a fraudulent scheme targeting unsuspecting individuals under false romantic pretenses.

The first reported incident occurred on May 25, when a victim reported their blue iPhone 15 Pro (valued
at $1,099) stolen during a meeting at 9100 Walker Road. The victim believed they were meeting a woman
named “Asia,” who was later identified as Akira Thomas. During their interaction, Thomas took the phone and subsequently used it to access the victim’s Cash App and PayPal accounts, resulting in over $4,300 in
unauthorized transactions. The victim captured the encounter on dash camera footage and later positively identified Thomas in a photo lineup.

A second incident occurred on June 8, also at 9100 Walker Road. A different victim reported traveling from out of state to meet a woman named “Asia,” who was later identified as De’Asia Holmes. The suspect requested to use the victim’s phone—a gray Samsung S24 Ultra (valued at $1,300)—to contact her own, claiming it was with a babysitter inside a nearby apartment. She exited the vehicle with the phone and never returned. The victim later discovered that more than $600 had been stolen through unauthorized banking transactions. Holmes was also positively identified during a photo lineup.

In both cases, the Bumble profile used to lure the victims featured the same name and photos. However, the photos belonged to a woman with no ties to Louisiana and were used without her knowledge. Akira Thomas was arrested on June 24 at her place of employment.

A warrant for theft and access device fraud was issued for De’Asia Holmes, with a $20,000 bond, signed by Judge Victory. Holmes was arrested on June 26.