Suspect arrested after online scam involving Facebook Marketplace purchase
On Sept. 20, 2024, the sheriff's office received a report from a resident who lives in Sierra County regarding a false vehicle purchase that was made through Facebook Marketplace, according to authorities.
Officials said that the victim had paid $19,800 for a vehicle that was never delivered and after crews investigated it was determined that the suspect had used a fake name, email, phone number, and website to create the false ad.
After the payment was received, the suspect deleted all communication which prevented the victim from making further contact, said SCSO.
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After an extensive investigation, on Dec. 26, 2024, investigators with the SCSO identified the suspect and obtained a warrant to arrest the suspect who was originally from New York, SCSO said. The warrant was issued for theft by false pretenses and three counts of money laundering.
On Jan. 8, SCSO was notified by the New York Police Department that he had been taken into custody, and with the assistance of U.S. Marshals Service, he was extradited to Sierra County and booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility in Nevada County on Feb. 27, according to the statement by SCSO.
At this time, officials said that he is being held on $140,000 bail as he waits for court proceedings.
SCSO said, 'The Sierra County Sheriff's Office urges residents to remain vigilant when making online purchases, particularly on social media platforms, and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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