Man Arrested After Trying To Sell Lost Dog Back To Its Owner In Oakland County: Police

TROY, MI — A man was arrested after police said he tried selling a lost dog back to its owner in Troy.

Malik Deshawn Motley, 24, of Detroit, was charged with one count of larceny $1,000–$20,000, a felony offense with up to five years in prison. He was placed in jail with a bond set at $15,000.

Police said a Troy resident found a brindle-colored French Bulldog in her backyard on April 22. In an attempt to find the dog's owner, police said she posted a photo of the dog on Facebook.

Motley responded to the post, claiming he was the dog's owner and provided believeable photos and information, police said.

Believing him, the resident released the dog to him, police said.

Later that day, police said the true owner (who lives nearby) contacted the resident after seeing the Facebook post. They tried to reach Motley but were unsuccessful, police said.

The owner then saw that the dog was listed for sale online and alerted officers, police said.

The next day, police said the owner posed as an interested buyer and arranged a meeting with Motley at the DMC Children’s Hospital at 350 W Big Beaver Road.

Officers arrived and arrested Motley, police said.

The French Bulldog was safely reunited with its rightful owner, police said.