Monroe man ‘done with Facebook’ after Marketplace deal turned into a robbery

MONROE, N.C. — A teenager is facing serious charges in Monroe. Police say that suspect used Facebook Marketplace to steal items from different sellers. WCCB Charlotte’s Zane Cina spoke with one of the victims who has new fears for doing business.

The victim did not want to be named but said he used Facebook Marketplace on December 15 to try and sell his Balenciaga sneakers worth $1,200. Monroe Police say he was contacted by the teen suspect and the two agreed to meet in person to to complete the sale. The victim tried to get the suspect to meet at a public place and suggested a nearby QuikTrip gas station. The suspect declined to meet in person and claimed he did not have a vehicle. The victim said he was lured to an apartment complex at 901 E Sunset Drive.

The victim said he took his children and wife with him. When he arrived at the apartment, the victim said he got out of his car with his sneakers in hand and he expected to quickly trade the shoes for cash. Instead, the victim said he was rushed by the suspect who snatched the shoes. The victim was scared for his family’s safety. “I got my babies in my in my car and my wife, and this guy is coming. He take… my shoes,” the victim said during an interview over phone. The victim said he did not see any weapons during the robbery.

The victim used Facebook Marketplace to make extra money to help support his family. He plans to stop using the app as he now feels unsafe selling and buying.

Monroe Police confirmed another person was robbed by the same suspect just a week earlier on December 7, when a Facebook seller had their $1000 iPhone stolen at gunpoint at the same address on E Sunset Drive. Officers have warned Facebook Marketplace users to be cautious when selling or buying on the app.

“Meet somewhere that’s well-lit, public, lots of people,” said Lt. Morgan Malone with Monroe Police Department. “Take a friend or a relative with you…don’t share phone numbers. Definitely don’t have them come to your house.”

Police will not release the name of the robbery suspect as they are underage. Monroe Police confirmed the suspect will be charged for the robberies. As of Friday morning, police say the suspect is not in custody.