Young person from Brampton accused of stealing cell phones using Facebook Marketplace
Authorities noted that the youth may have had accomplices in some of the reported thefts, and police are actively working to identify them.
A 15-year-old male youth from Brampton has been charged with multiple thefts related to cell phone sales arranged online, specifically through Facebook Marketplace.
Peel Regional Police reported that during September and October 2024, the teenager allegedly posed under the alias “David Paul” to lure victims into selling their smartphones.
The suspect would meet the victims, request to inspect the phones, and then flee with them. In at least one instance, he reportedly threatened victims with a knife to steal their phones.
On October 19, the youth attempted to arrange another meeting to purchase a set of phones. However, he was detained by the seller until police arrived.
Initially charged with assault and theft, investigators have connected him to as many as eight similar thefts.
Following a search warrant executed on October 23 at a residence in Brampton, the teen now faces additional charges including uttering threats to damage property, six counts of theft under $5,000, robbery, fraudulently obtaining transportation, and assault.
He is currently held pending a bail hearing and has not been publicly identified due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
Authorities noted that the youth may have had accomplices in some of the reported thefts, and police are actively working to identify them.
Peel Regional Police reminded the public to exercise caution when buying or selling high-value items online, advising to conduct transactions in public spaces or at police stations during daylight hours.
