Jackson police: Woman robbed by man she met from Facebook to buy phone

JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson police arrested a man accused of robbing a woman he met on Facebook. Investigators said the victim agreed to meet the suspect to purchase an iPhone.

“He’s also charged with robbery,” Jackson City Court Judge Blake Anderson said.

Michael Douglas faced a judge in Jackson City Court on Monday. The 24-year-old is accused of robbing a woman in the parking lot of a local business in north Jackson.

“He had someone with him,” Jackson Police Department Lt. Phillip Stanfill said. “She was alone.”

Police said it happened around 12:30 a.m. June 14. Officers said the victim agreed to meet Douglas to purchase an iPhone. Stanfill said they met online. “She met him through a mutual friend on Facebook, and the friend set them up and they contacted each other via Facebook,” Stanfill said.

Investigators said the victim told them Douglas threatened to beat her up. Police said he got away with $500 cash and her cell phone.

If you plan to buy or sell online, police said there are several things you can do to protect yourself. “It’s better to meet people during the daytime,” Stanfill said. “It’s better not to go alone.”

Officers encourage buyers and sellers to meet in public places like the police department or a bank, where there is surveillance video.

Stanfill said if it does not feel right, walk away. “Each case is different,” he said. “You never know when this is going to happen.”

The victim declined to comment on camera. Police said no one was hurt in the robbery.

Douglas is also charged with simple possession of marijuana. He is being held at the Madison County Jail and is set to return to court July 7.