Sep 10, 2009 10:15 am US/Eastern
Craigslist Sting Helps Catch Diamond Thief
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
A suspect is in custody after falling for an online sting set up by the victim of a violent jewelry robbery.
Craig Forchetti of Bucks County posted a 2.4 carat emerald cut engagement ring, valued at more than $20,000 on Craigslist, following an engagement that never happened.
A prospective buyer contacted Forchetti, falsely identifying himself as Mike Farson from Maryland. The buyer, later identified as Cory Jackson, said he recently sold his car in order to purchase the pricey engagement ring.
The two arranged to meet at 30th Street station, but after their initial encounter, Jackson told Forchetti he needed to get the rest of the cash from his mother's house.
Despite his initial reservations, Forchetti said he agreed to go with Jackson. Once they arrived at the home, Forchetti said his worst fears were realized.
"He sprayed me with mace, grabbed the ring and took off." Said Forchetti. "It happened that fast."
Forchetti, a former private investigator, was not going to let his attacker get away without a fight. After consulting local police, he set up several fake Craigslist postings in hopes of luring the suspect.
With the trap in place, Forchetti soon got a bite from a suspect seeking to purchase a diamond ring.
"I got a call from one of my sting people and he said, 'It sounds like the guy,'" Forchetti said.
Philadelphia Police joined Forchetti during the sting at 47th and City Avenue. It did not take long for Forchetti to recognize the suspect.
"I said, '110 percent that's him' and they pounced on him," Forchetti said.
Jackson was taken into custody without incident. Police are trying to determine if he was involved in a similar jewelry robbery in Bethlehem.
While suspect has been caught, Forchetti said his ring is still missing. If have any information, please contact Southwest Detectives at 215-686-3183.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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