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Fraudulent Check Used in Craigslist Scam

1-8-12

On January 8, 2012, the Victim was contacted by a person (Suspect) regarding a Craigslist ad he had posted for a camera he was selling. The Suspect (Watson) responded to the Victim's residence in the City of West Hollywood and purchased the camera with a Cashier's Check. The Suspect (Watson) stated she was the mother of the buyer, there to make the purchase for her daughter. The Victim deposited the check and was advised by his bank that it was fraudulent.

The Victim posted a second ad on Craigslist for another camera and was contacted by the Suspect again. He subsequently contacted West Hollywood Station detectives. On the evening of January 13, 2011, detectives from the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station conducted a surveillance operation for the grand theft and fraud suspect.

A meeting was arranged for Suspect Watson to purchase the second camera. Suspect Watson arrived and presented detectives with another fraudulent check to purchase the second camera. Suspect Watson was detained by detectives and subsequently identified by the Victim as being the person who purchased the first camera, using the fraudulent Cashier's check. Suspect Watson was placed under arrest for Grand Theft and booked at West Hollywood Sheriff's Station.

Suspect Watson is also a person of interest in other similar Craigslist scams.

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