A fraudulent business transaction that started on Facebook Marketplace led to the arrest of 3 Charlotte men after they tried to sell a stolen boom lift to a local Marion business.
On January 12, an employee of that business began the process of purchasing a 2023 JLG T350 articulating lift from the seller on Facebook for $12,000.
On January 19, the lift was delivered but didn’t match the description.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office was contacted, and an investigation ensued which led to the arrest and charges, by Capt. Paul Alkire, of the following individuals:
- Jemario McGriff, 46, with felony Obtain Property by False Pretense; felony Possession of Stolen Goods; felony Possession of a Firearm by Felon; and felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. He was issued a secured bond in of $100,000.
- Labron O’Neal Williams, 19, with felony Obtain Property by False Pretense; felony Possession of Stolen Goods; misdemeanor Carrying a Concealed Weapon. He was initially denied bond due to already being out on pretrial release.
- Douglas Marquise Calloway, 51, of Charlotte with felony Obtain Property by False Pretense; felony Possession of Stolen Goods. He was issued a secured bond of $80,000.
Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan emphasized the importance of quick action taken by the victim to report the matter and the outstanding work by MCSO detectives that led to the arrest of the criminals.
“We are very pleased with the outcome of this case,” Sheriff Buchanan said. “I also want to remind everyone to be extremely cautious when making purchases on Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms.”
