An Arlington man faces multiple charges after allegedly selling a stolen car to a man on Facebook Marketplace.
The 21-year-old suspect was arrested May 17 at Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Avenue), where he agreed to meet the victim to discuss the sale of a stolen 2006 Honda Civic for $2,800, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.
The victim met with the suspect at police headquarters to get his money back, according to the search warrant affidavit. The victim told police that he bought the Honda on April 22 from the suspect, but found out a week later at the DMV that the vehicle was stolen.
The suspect allegedly told police that he merely arranged the sale with the car’s registered owner, and police later determined that he gave the victim forged documents to make it look like the sale was legitimate.
Police found that the suspect allegedly bought the stolen Honda in March from a man he met on Facebook Marketplace, and bought it from the seller in-person in the Lincolnia area of Fairfax County.
The suspect allegedly tried to register the car with the DMV, found out it was stolen and then unsuccessfully attempted to meet with the original seller, police determined by looking at the suspect’s phone, according to the search warrant affidavit.
The suspect was charged with filing a false release report, obtaining money by false pretenses and receiving stolen goods. He posted a $5,000 bond on the day he was arrested and goes to court on Aug. 7.
