URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Two teenagers were arrested in connection to a series of robberies and thefts in Urbana over the past several months.
According to the Urbana Police Department, the investigation started after multiple people reported being targeted while trying to sell iPhones through Facebook Marketplace.
In each case, police said suspects contacted the sellers and arranged to meet in the 2400 block of Prairie Green Drive. During the meetings, the suspects would either ask to inspect the phone or grab the phone from the sellers hand before running away.
During the investigation, police identified a home in the 2400 block of East Washington Street connected to the suspects.
On Thursday, Urbana detectives conducted an undercover operation by arranging the sale of an iPhone through Facebook Marketplace. Urbana police said an undercover officer met with a suspect, who asked to examine the phone before running away to the home on East Washington Street.
Officers executed a search warrant and arrested a 16-year-old in connection to the investigation. Detectives also arrested 18-year-old Deandre Mosley for possession of stolen property.
During the search, officers recovered items that are being processed and analyzed to determine whether they are linked to other reported thefts.
The investigation is still ongoing, and detectives believe there may be more victims. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or has more information is asked to call the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320.
Urbana police also reminded community members to use the designated online safe exchange zone on the east side of Urbana city hall when conducting transactions arranged online.
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