Florida Man Involved In Two Facebook Marketplace Thefts, Including $2,200 Chain
A North Miami man accused of using fake payment confirmations to take expensive jewelry allegedly asked one seller for something extra before running off: a video of himself wearing the chain.
Local 10 reported, citing an arrest report, that 26-year-old Cornelius Douglas arranged to buy a $2,200 Cuban link chain through Facebook Marketplace on Friday.
According to Local 10’s account of the arrest report, Douglas allegedly showed the seller what appeared to be a Cash App payment confirmation during their meeting near Northwest 15th Avenue. Believing the money had been sent, the seller placed the chain around Douglas’ neck.
Douglas then allegedly asked the seller to record him wearing it. The seller complied, and Local 10 reported that Douglas ran away with the chain before the seller realized the payment confirmation was fake.
One More Take
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The seller later identified Douglas in a photo lineup, according to Local 10’s account of the arrest report.
The case also led police back to an earlier Facebook Marketplace deal. Local 10 reported that North Miami police linked Douglas to a June transaction involving an Audemars Piguet watch.
In that case, Local 10 reported that Douglas allegedly contacted a seller about the watch, met with the person, and ran off with it. The outlet reported that the watch was later sold to a pawn shop for $300.
After The Deals
Douglas has since been arrested and released on bond, Local 10 reported. He faces a grand theft charge in connection with the investigation.
North Miami police also used the case to remind people arranging online sales to meet strangers in public places. Police departments around South Florida offer designated exchange areas for those transactions.
All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
