Member of Craigslist robbery ring sentenced to 30 years, 10 months in prison
OAKLAND (BCN)— A member of a Craiglist robbery ring that lured victims to the Bay Area and then stole their diamonds and watches has been sentenced in federal court in Oakland to 30 years and 10 months in prison.
Michael Anthony Martin, 42, of Tracy, was one of five people indicted in the scheme in 2014. The other defendants pleaded guilty to various charges and Martin was the only one to go to trial.
In February, Martin was convicted by a jury in the court of U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White of one count of conspiracy and four counts of robberies committed in 2013.
He was sentenced on Tuesday by White, who also ordered him to pay $192,000 in restitution.
Prosecutors said the crew would target people advertising diamonds, jewelry or Rolex watches on Craigslist and would invite the victims to the Bay Area to conduct the sale.
The victims would be met at the airport by a limousine or van, and would then be taken to an isolated area where the defendants would steal the jewelry or watch at gunpoint and would often beat the victim.
Prosecutors said in court documents that the crew stole a total of $500,000 worth of jewelry and watches from victims who traveled to the Bay Area from southern California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and
Wisconsin.