FCSO: Suspect Arrested for Facebook Marketplace Theft Scheme

BUNNELL, Fla. — A St. Augustine man wanted in Flagler County for stealing a gold necklace during a Facebook Marketplace exchange is in custody after being arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

FCSO General Assignment Unit detectives obtained an arrest warrant for William Walker, 44, of St. Augustine, on charges of dealing in stolen property, grand theft, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device after determining that Walker stole the victim’s necklace on July 1 during a Facebook Marketplace exchange at a barbershop in Palm Coast. Walker then contacted the victim and demanded payment for its return.

During the investigation, the victim told detectives he had listed the necklace for sale on Facebook Marketplace and negotiated a sale price of $7,000 with a prospective buyer, later identified as Walker. The two agreed to meet the following day at the business to complete the transaction.

The next day, Walker arrived in an Uber with an unidentified woman. According to the victim, Walker stated that his wife needed to go to an ATM to retrieve the remaining cash. While inside the barber shop waiting for her return, Walker walked over and tapped on the window, waved, then quickly left the business wearing the necklace before getting into a vehicle occupied by the woman and Uber driver, who then drove away.

Through investigative means, detectives identified the vehicle and confirmed Walker’s identity. An envelope with $1,200 written on the outside that contained toilet paper and a St. Augustine hotel key was also located by the victim and later connected to Walker.

On July 7, 2026, the victim received a text message demanding $1,200 in exchange for the return of the necklace. The victim agreed to meet with Walker the next day, but after multiple attempts to “purchase” the necklace’s return and Walker’s demand for partial payment before the return, communication stopped. Detectives then obtained a warrant.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit coordinated with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office regarding Walker’s arrest, who was already in jail in Jacksonville for unrelated charges.  The stolen necklace was recovered at the time of Walker’s arrest.

“The victim thought he had made a legitimate business deal only to find out the suspected had always planned to steal the jewelry and then attempt to extort the victim for its return,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This is a good reminder the Sheriff’s Office has designated safe exchange meeting spots under the watchful eye of a camera at our Palm Coast District 2 office and the Sheriff’s Operations Center.”

Walker has an extensive criminal history that includes previous arrests for burglary, grand theft, fleeing and eluding, narcotics possession, aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and domestic battery by strangulation.

He remains in custody in Duval County and will face the Flagler County charges following the completion of those proceedings.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages marketplace sellers and buyers to use a safe exchange location at our offices: Sheriff’s Operations Center located at 61 Sheriff EW Johnston Dr., Bunnell, FL, or the District 2 office located at 14 Palm Harbor Village Way, Palm Coast, FL.