Washington D.C. Teen Sentenced to 10 Years for Facebook Marketplace Robberies

A 19-year-old from Washington D.C., Isaiah Green, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted of two counts of armed robbery.

The sentencing follows a series of incidents where Green used Facebook Marketplace to lure unsuspecting victims, only to rob them at gunpoint. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced the sentencing, highlighting the growing concern over crimes involving online marketplaces.

Robberies Posed as Sales of Tools

Green’s crimes took place on two separate occasions in 2023. The first incident occurred on August 19, when Green listed a Stihl brand chainsaw for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

The victim, believing it to be a legitimate transaction, agreed to meet Green in the 5100 block of B Street SE, Washington D.C. Upon arriving, the victim was ambushed by Green and an accomplice. The pair robbed the victim at gunpoint, stealing his wallet, cell phone, and checks worth approximately $1,500.

A few months later, on December 3, Green executed a similar scheme. This time, he advertised a Hilti laser on Facebook Marketplace. The second victim, along with his wife, went to meet Green at the 3600 block of Highwood Drive SE, also in Washington D.C.

As the victim exited his car, Green and his accomplice struck again, robbing the man of his wallet and cell phone. During the robbery, one of the criminals even pointed a gun at the victim’s wife and searched their car for more valuables.

Law Enforcement Tracks Down Green

Following these brazen robberies, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington D.C., working closely with Prince George’s County Police, began an investigation that quickly identified Green as the primary suspect. Green’s downfall came on December 20, when he was arrested by authorities. The next day, police executed a search warrant at Green’s residence, uncovering crucial evidence that linked him to the crimes.

Among the items recovered were a phone connected to the Facebook account used in the first robbery, a wallet belonging to one of the victims (complete with the victim’s identification), and an empty Hilti box that Green had used to bait the second victim. The evidence gathered was instrumental in securing Green’s conviction.

Green’s Guilty Plea and Sentencing

On May 2, 2024, Green pleaded guilty to the charges. This plea came after months of legal proceedings that followed his arrest. The court ultimately handed down a 10-year prison sentence, reflecting the severity of his actions. In addition to the prison time, Green will be subject to five years of supervised release once he completes his sentence.

The investigation also revealed that Green was involved in a third robbery on August 17, 2023, just two days before the first Facebook Marketplace incident. However, despite this, Green was not indicted for the August 17 robbery, as the focus remained on the two cases for which he was ultimately convicted.

Community Concerns and Safety Warnings

The case of Isaiah Green serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can accompany online transactions, particularly those involving strangers. U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement officials have urged the public to exercise caution when using online marketplaces, recommending that any exchanges take place in well-lit, public areas, preferably with security cameras or in the presence of law enforcement.