Lakeview man arrested, charged with robbing sellers he met online

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Nassau County police arrested a 16-year-old man from Lakeview for allegedly robbing a number of victims he met on the internet, authorities said Friday.

The teenager, who was not identified, was involved in four robberies and a petit larceny in Rockville Centre, Lakeview and Roosevelt between Jan. 6 and Feb. 25, police said.

Using Facebook Marketplace, a social media platform to buy and sell items, as well as the Long Island Buy and Sell Facebook page, he would inquire about purchasing items and arrange to meet with the seller, according to detectives. He would then take the item by threatening the use of a handgun, they added. There were no injuries reported.

The 16-year-old is being charged with three counts of first-degree robbery, one county of third-degree robbery and one count of petit larceny. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday at First District Court in Hempstead.

Detectives said they believe there may be more victims, and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Nassau County Robbery Squad at (516) 573-2800.