Facebook Marketplace robbery scheme ends with probation for South Side man

A South Side man named Calvin Savage has been sentenced to probation after being accused of taking part in a robbery scheme that targeted individuals looking to purchase items through Facebook Marketplace. The incident occurred last year in the 6700 block of South Indiana Avenue, where three individuals were lured into a robbery by a fake advertisement for a Yamaha motorcycle.

According to court records and a police report, the victims were expecting to meet the seller at the agreed-upon location but were instead approached by a young boy claiming to be the seller’s son. The boy led the victims to the backyard of a house, where Savage and two other men confronted them. Savage allegedly pointed a handgun at the victims and demanded their belongings, ultimately stealing $2,500 in cash from one victim’s wallet.

The group then attempted to take money from another victim, but he had left his wallet in a vehicle. The boy who had led the victims into the yard then allegedly used a knife to take around $230 from the third victim’s pockets. The stolen cell phone of one victim was later tracked to Savage’s home, leading to his arrest.

Savage initially claimed he was at a gym during the time of the robbery, but when confronted with evidence linking him to the crime, he admitted to his involvement. He pleaded guilty to a single count of robbery and was sentenced to 30 months of probation, 100 hours of community service, and other standard probation conditions by Judge Timothy Joyce.

This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of online transactions and the importance of exercising caution when meeting strangers for purchases. It also highlights the diligent work of law enforcement in tracking down and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities.