Three men are facing multiple felony charges following an armed robbery connected to a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Franklin.
Just after 11 p.m. on Oct. 9, Franklin Police Department officers responded to a home in northeast Franklin after receiving a report of an armed robbery.
Investigators determined the incident stemmed from jewelry that had been advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Following the robbery, officers pursued the suspects' vehicle and ultimately took all three men into custody.
Those arrested were:
- Rubel Rodriguez-Lisa, 19, of Lebanon
- Ivan Lagos-Espinoza, 22, of Nashville
- Jose Paiz-Godoy, 23, of Nashville
The three men were charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated robbery, felony evading and tampering with evidence.
In light of the incident, Franklin police are reminding residents to prioritize safety when buying
or selling items through Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms.
Safety recommendations include:
- Meet in a public place rather than at a private residence.
- Choose a well-lit, populated location, preferably one with surveillance cameras.
- Consider conducting transactions at a police department or other law enforcement facility when exchanging valuable items.
- Bring another person with you whenever possible, especially when selling high-value merchandise.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Exercise caution when selling expensive items such as jewelry and electronics, which can make sellers attractive targets for criminals.
- Trust your instincts and cancel a transaction if something about the buyer, seller or meeting location feels suspicious.
- Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, including details about your home, schedule or other valuables.
Police emphasized that, whenever possible, exchanges should take place in a secure public location rather than at a residence.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Three arrested after Facebook Marketplace robbery in Franklin
