2 Arrested In Waterbury Facebook Marketplace Robberies: Police

WATERBURY, CT — Two city residents face charges for recent robberies against victims who had been selling items through Facebook Marketplace.

In each robbery, a weapon was either displayed or threatened, and the robbers stole valuables they had arranged to purchase, according to police.

William Brown, 22, of 148 Plaza Avenue, was arrested Monday on a warrant and charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, carrying a pistol without a permit, and interfering with police.

According to Lt. Ryan Bessette, when police arrested Brown, he had a loaded firearm in his possession. The firearm is believed to be similar to the one described by the robbery victims, police said.

The second individual arrested is a 17-year-old male, whose name was not released due to his age. The teen was charged May 24 with conspiracy to commit both first-degree robbery and sixth-degree larceny, according to police.

Police said they are pursuing additional warrants for other recent robberies, and the investigation is ongoing.

Police issued a warning in May about recent Facebook Marketplace robberies, and they urged residents to be cautious when meeting strangers to complete online transactions. Many police departments have designated safe exchange zones at their headquarters where buyers and sellers can meet, police said.

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Waterbury Cops Issue Warning After Facebook Marketplace Robberies