Online photos foil Craigslist robberies suspect
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Another Crime Spree foiled by the Internet
CHICAGO _ A Chicago man used Craigslist to lure cash-laden victims into robberies at gunpoint across the city until a victim found photographs of the man wearing his stolen items in an online profile, police said.
James Thomas, 20, of the 600 block of East Oakwood Boulevard, was ordered held without bail Wednesday on charges of armed robbery and attempted armed robbery for six robberies in recent months, authorities said.
Thomas and an accomplice placed phony notices on the popular Internet site advertising cars and other items for sale, Wentworth Area Sgt. John Dowd said. Thomas allegedly insisted buyers meet in person and bring cash only. Thomas and an accomplice allegedly then robbed the buyers at gunpoint.
The robberies involved 10 victims. Thomas is believed to have stolen more than $10,000, Dowd said.
One of the victims _ who had a Gucci duffel bag, a watch and a coat stolen from him Dec. 9 _ found Thomas' MySpace page through an e-mail the man allegedly gave him, authorities said.
Thomas posted photos of himself wearing the jacket he allegedly stole from the man as well as some holding the gun he allegedly used in the robbery. Dowd said the victim recognized Thomas and alerted police. Thomas turned himself in Feb. 2, according to an arrest report.
Police are seeking a second "person of interest" for the robberies, Dowd said.
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CHICAGO _ A Chicago man used Craigslist to lure cash-laden victims into robberies at gunpoint across the city until a victim found photographs of the man wearing his stolen items in an online profile, police said.
James Thomas, 20, of the 600 block of East Oakwood Boulevard, was ordered held without bail Wednesday on charges of armed robbery and attempted armed robbery for six robberies in recent months, authorities said.
Thomas and an accomplice placed phony notices on the popular Internet site advertising cars and other items for sale, Wentworth Area Sgt. John Dowd said. Thomas allegedly insisted buyers meet in person and bring cash only. Thomas and an accomplice allegedly then robbed the buyers at gunpoint.
The robberies involved 10 victims. Thomas is believed to have stolen more than $10,000, Dowd said.
One of the victims _ who had a Gucci duffel bag, a watch and a coat stolen from him Dec. 9 _ found Thomas' MySpace page through an e-mail the man allegedly gave him, authorities said.
Thomas posted photos of himself wearing the jacket he allegedly stole from the man as well as some holding the gun he allegedly used in the robbery. Dowd said the victim recognized Thomas and alerted police. Thomas turned himself in Feb. 2, according to an arrest report.
Police are seeking a second "person of interest" for the robberies, Dowd said.
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pjacobs51
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I always follow agent Moulders advice, "trust no one."
- 3 years ago
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pjacobs51
