Greenville police arrested 21-year-old Elijah McLean after investigators linked him to three alleged thefts in which he posed as a buyer on Facebook Marketplace to obtain jewelry. He faces three counts of larceny and four counts related to obtaining property under false pretenses; the charges remain allegations. McLean is being held at the Pitt County Detention Center on a $45,000 secured bond. Authorities urge sellers to use monitored exchange zones, verify cash before transfer, and preserve all transaction records.
Greenville Man Allegedly Posed as Buyer on Facebook Marketplace, Arrested After Three Jewelry Thefts
Image Credit: Pitt County Sheriff's Office.
Greenville, NC — Police say a 21-year-old man used Facebook Marketplace messages to arrange in-person meetups with private sellers, then allegedly left with jewelry during the handoffs.
Authorities identified the suspect as Elijah McLean. Greenville police arrested McLean Tuesday after linking him to three separate incidents involving sellers who advertised jewelry online, according to WITN and local outlets.
What Police Say Happened
Investigators say McLean contacted Marketplace users, arranged face-to-face exchanges and presented himself as a buyer. During the meetups, police allege, he either walked off with items after taking them in hand or distracted sellers and took jewelry while the seller's attention was elsewhere.
Charges And Custody
McLean was charged with three counts of larceny, two counts of obtaining property under false pretenses, and two counts of attempting to obtain property under false pretenses. Those charges are allegations and have not been proven in court. After his arrest, he was held at the Pitt County Detention Center on a $45,000 secured bond.
Safety Advice For Sellers
Police and local news outlets warn that the handoff is the riskiest moment when selling valuables like jewelry, watches, phones, sneakers or collectibles online. Recommended precautions include:
- Meet in a well-lit, public, camera-monitored location (bank lobbies, jeweler's shop, or designated police exchange zone).
- Count and verify cash before handing over an item; do not let a buyer hold the item while searching for money.
- Keep control of jewelry during inspection — consider inviting the buyer to a jeweler for verification rather than allowing them to try items on unsupervised.
- Save all transaction evidence: Marketplace messages, the buyer's profile, phone numbers, payment records, item photos, serial numbers or appraisals, vehicle descriptions and license plates, and any surveillance or doorbell-camera footage.
Local Exchange Zones
Greenville Police Department says it maintains three camera-monitored substations that serve as safe internet exchange zones for online sales:
- West Zone: 1024 W. Fifth St.
- East Zone: 3195 Suite A, East 10th St.
- South Zone: 728 Southwest Greenville Blvd. (Greenville Grande Shopping Center)
Anyone who believes they may be a victim in this case is asked to contact the Greenville Police Department at 252-329-4315, according to WCTI/News 12. Local media reports used in this article include WITN and WCTI/News 12.
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