A 19-year-old Chicago man lured six victims into armed theft traps by means of Fb Market, focusing on sellers promoting Air Jordan sneakers on the market within the weeks main as much as Christmas, prosecutors say.
Bryant Welch used a Fb account registered in his identify with the username “Serving Finest Offers” to contact victims who had posted sneakers on the market on-line, in keeping with authorities.
The Chicago Police Division issued a group alert concerning the crime sample shortly earlier than Christmas, warning residents about an armed robber responding to ads for Air Jordans and different Nike model sneakers on {the marketplace} platform.
Prosecutors stated the robberies adopted the same sample: Welch organized conferences with sellers, then confronted them with firearms, threatened to kill the victims, and stole the sneakers with out paying.
The primary holdup occurred on December 3 at 1:30 p.m. within the 1700 block of West Steuben Road, the place prosecutors say a 20-year-old man was robbed of Jordan 4 Black Cat sneakers as Bryant brandished a handgun outfitted with a laser sight and an prolonged journal.
The next day, December 4, at 4:15 p.m., an 18-year-old man was robbed of Jordan sneakers at gunpoint within the 1700 block of West Edmaire Road.
On December 10 at 1:37 p.m., a 26-year-old man was robbed of Jordan sneakers within the 11300 block of South Davol Road. This time, a legal grievance says, Welch was armed with a rifle.
December 18 noticed two separate robberies. At 5:20 p.m., two males, ages 19 and 20, had been robbed of Jordan sneakers at gunpoint within the 1600 block of West Monterey Avenue. About three hours later, a 25-year-old man was robbed of Jordan sneakers at gunpoint within the 11000 block of South Ashland Avenue.
Prosecutors stated all six victims recognized Welch in photograph lineups.
Choose Ankur Srivastava ordered Welch detained pending trial throughout a courtroom listening to.
