A man accused of carrying out six armed robberies by luring victims into traps through Facebook Marketplace ads has pleaded guilty and received a 12-year prison sentence, according to court records.
Prosecutors allege that Emerson Watson Jr., 21, robbed 11 people at gunpoint during six consecutive Marketplace meets between September and December 2024. The majority of the robberies occurred in the 1100 block of North Menard in the Austin neighbourhood.
According to authorities, Watson was linked to the robberies through digital data, car information, and other evidence. He was on juvenile probation for armed robbery when the holdups took place.
According to charges, Watson robbed two men of $8,000 on September 13, 2024, in the 1100 block of North Menard. He allegedly returned to the same neighbourhood on November 29 to rob a man of $1,500. Watson robbed a man and a woman of $2,800 on North Menard on Christmas Day, and he allegedly robbed two males of another $2,800 at the same place the following day.
The final two occurrences happened in the 8600 block of South Phillips Street. Watson stole $2,800 from a man on December 27, according to prosecutors. Three days later, he attempted to rob three men who had organised a Marketplace meeting, but his plan failed.
Judge Demonica Stephenson sentenced Watson to 12 years on each case, running concurrently. According to Illinois law, Watson is likely to serve nearly six years, minus 682 days of credit earned while in the Cook County Jail.
During the holiday shopping season, online marketplace activity often increases, giving scammers and criminals more opportunities to attack consumers buying and selling products. Police have cautioned that thieves may use plausible ads to lead victims to remote locales, where they will be robbed of cash, phones, and stuff that was advertised for sale online.
Chicago police encourage buyers and sellers to conduct transactions in high-traffic places, such as police station lobbies. According to CPD, people should avoid secluded meeting areas, bring someone with them if possible, and regard last-minute venue changes as a warning indicator.
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