Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Dismantles Facebook Marketplace Robbery Ring
What starts as a simple negotiation to sell a used smartphone or laptop can quickly turn into a nightmare. In Miami, a group of suspects allegedly turned online marketplace transactions into a predatory scheme involving threats, violence, and theft. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) recently shut down this operation, arresting four individuals linked to a string of robberies targeting local sellers.
Between October 2025 and May 2026, investigators identified at least 17 separate incidents in the Intracoastal District. These crimes, which primarily occurred near Northwest 6th Avenue and Northwest 152nd Street, included 11 robberies and six grand thefts.
How the Scheme Worked
The suspects used social media profiles to scout for advertisements featuring cell phones and laptops. Once a seller was identified, the group would arrange a face-to-face meeting under the guise of purchasing the device. Instead of paying for the merchandise, the encounters reportedly ended in intimidation, physical violence, or the suspects fleeing with the electronics.
The Suspects and Their Charges
The MDSO operation led to the arrest of four individuals, each facing significant charges based on their alleged role in the scheme:
- Terrell Barry, 20: Charged with armed robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. According to arrest reports, Barry met a phone seller via Facebook Marketplace in April and allegedly threatened to kill the victim while flashing a handgun tucked into his waistband.
- Adrion Hall, 22: Charged with third-degree grand theft for the January theft of an iPhone 16 valued at $800. Investigators linked Hall to multiple Facebook profiles used in the crimes, and he was later identified by a victim in a lineup.
- Nikell Etienne, 23: Charged with strong arm robbery, burglary with aggression or violence, and attempted robbery. Etienne is allegedly involved in an October 2025 incident where a man and his son were targeted. In a critical turn, one victim managed to photograph Etienne and text the image to a spouse before the suspects stole the phone and fled.
- Unidentified Minor, 17: Charged with strong arm robbery. In February, the teen allegedly posed as a buyer and forcefully snatched a phone from a victim’s hand before fleeing on foot.
The Undercover Takedown
The arrests were the result of a coordinated sting operation. MDSO detectives organized a fake listing for a phone on Facebook Marketplace to lure the suspects into a controlled environment. This undercover operation allowed agents to capture Barry, Hall, and the 17-year-old during the staged transaction.
How to Stay Safe When Selling Online
The rise in “marketplace ambushes” highlights the danger of meeting strangers in secluded or unfamiliar areas. To protect yourself when selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, the MDSO recommends the following safety protocols:
- Use Safe Exchange Zones: Never meet a buyer at your home or in a private location. Use designated safe exchange zones, which are often hosted at local police stations.
- Stay in Public: If a police station isn’t available, choose a high-traffic area with plenty of witnesses and surveillance cameras (e.g., a busy grocery store parking lot).
- Bring a Friend: Never go to a marketplace meeting alone. Having a witness can deter criminals and provide critical help if something goes wrong.
- Share Your Location: Tell a friend or family member where you are going and who you are meeting.
- Scope: 17 cases (11 robberies, 6 grand thefts) between Oct 2025 and May 2026.
- Target: High-value electronics like iPhones and laptops.
- Location: Concentrated in Miami’s Intracoastal District.
- Solution: Conduct all online transactions at police-designated safe zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’ve been a victim of a marketplace robbery?
Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately to file a report. If you have any digital evidence—such as screenshots of the buyer’s profile or text messages—provide them to investigators.
Who can I contact with information about these crimes?
Anyone with information regarding these incidents can contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
As digital marketplaces continue to grow, the risk of opportunistic crime increases. By prioritizing safety and using official exchange zones, sellers can ensure that their transactions remain professional and secure.