Phony Craigslist Ads Set Stage for Armed Robberies, Deputies Say

A Craigslist advertisement placed in April offered a lucky buyer a chance to own a shiny new motorcycle.

Two people who responded to the ad, however, quickly found out that it was a fraud. The people who placed it used it as a front to entice armed robbery victims to their location.

That’s according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, which announced two arrests in the cases that unfolded in the Safety Harbor area during April. A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man now face a number of criminal charges related to the robberies.

The robberies took place at 1512 Cedar St. in Safety Harbor at 1:23 p.m. April 24 and again on April 26 at 10:37 p.m. In both cases, the victims responded to the ad and found themselves being robbed at gunpoint instead of being given the opportunity to buy a bike, the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media. In one of the robberies, victims said they were attacked by three people. There were five suspects involved in the second.

The sheriff’s office announced two arrests in the cases Tuesday. A 16-year-old Clearwater teen was charged with two counts of armed robbery with a deadly weapon, one count of violation of misdemeanor probation and possession of marijuana. The teen was taken into custody on the campus of Clearwater High School on May 1. Patch is not identifying him because of his age.

Taiwan Jontrell Lee, 19, also of Clearwater, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and numerous counts of violation of probation. He was also brought into custody on May 1.

See Also:

• Dog Sitter Sold Pooch on Craigslist, Cops Say
• Phony Florida Craigslist Seller Took Maryland Car Buyer for a Ride
• ‘Pimp Master Flex’ Used Craigslist to Prostitute Teenage Girl, Deputies Say
• Craigslist Ad Led Cops to Alleged Counterfeiter’s Door

Deputies say they are still looking for the additional suspects in the robberies.

In the meantime, they are urging residents to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements.

“When choosing a location make sure it is a public place open for business, a well-lit area and do not go alone,” the sheriff’s office warned.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call Det. Stephen Bergstrom at 727-582-6200. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS or by going online to www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

Booking photo of Taiwan Jontrell Lee courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

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