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Craigslist Leads Family to their Stolen Loot

After being a victim of a home burglary on April 15th, a Folsom family was preparing to replace approximately $2200 in stolen property. A quick search of Craigslist changed all that.
On Friday April 16th Folsom Police investigators helped the Folsom family from Big Valley Road recover a laptop stolen the day before.

Investigators met the suspect who posted the stolen property on Craigslist in Carmichael Park. Just as officers prepared to take Walter Diaz, 21, of Carmichael, and his 17 year old brother into custody, they fled. After nearly a ten minute foot pursuit through the park, both the juvenile and Diaz were arrested for possession of stolen property.

The laptop was indeed the one stolen the day before in Folsom. A second laptop in Diaz's possession proved to have been stolen in Rancho Cordova on March 12th. Diaz went to jail and his brother was cited to the father.

The Folsom family spent the weekend comforted that some of their property was recovered, when, once again Craigslist provided more results. On Sunday the family found an advertisement selling their $500 cellular telephone for a mere $350.

Today (4/20/2010) Folsom investigators arranged to meet the Craigslist seller and weren't surprised the 17 year old arrested Friday showed up to sell the stolen cellular telephone. He was apprehended along with accomplice Christopher Ross, 20, of Carmichael, without incident.

While many reputable people use Craigslist and other web based market places to sell their new and used property, The Folsom Police Criminal Investigations Unit reminds buyers to beware. Craigslist is a convenient way for burglars and thieves to unload stolen property on un-suspecting bargain shoppers.

Remember; someone else's stolen property will forever be listed in police records as stolen property. Don't risk un-wittingly possessing what was stolen from someone. If you believe you have located your own stolen property online, contact your local authorities. Do not attempt to meet potential suspects without the assistance of law enforcement officials.