Atlanta police have arrested a man believed to be responsible for selling more than 100 stolen cars on Craigslist and are seeking information from his customers. .
Lt. Rick Mason of the department's Auto Theft Task Force said Marcus Deangelo Haliburton, 22, has sold 198 items over the last two years using the online marketplace – mostly vehicles and electronics. .
“We believe that the majority of the vehicles he has sold on Craigslist are in fact stolen,” Mason said. “He’s misrepresenting the vehicle that’s being sold with one that’s on a dealership’s lot.”
Investigators believe Haliburton posted photos and details of from auto dealer Web sites, and stole similar cars to sell, Mason said.
Police said Haliburton provided a VIN number, car repair history and other details on Craigslist and often delivered the vehicle in the Buckhead area.
Mason said the suspect allegedly was always in a hurry, advertising the need to sell the car “ASAP” or as a salvaged vehicle. He would also significantly short-sell the vehicle.
“If you [did] purchase the vehicle, what he’s done in the past is offer the vehicle for $9,000,” Mason said. “When he delivers, he may ask for $4,000 and says, ‘I forgot the title … I’ll bring it to you tomorrow [for the rest of the money].’”
But he would never show, pocketing the cash and leaving the buyer with what Mason called a “worthless vehicle.”
Haliburton was arrested last week on charges of auto theft, theft by taking and giving police false statements. He was being held in the Fulton County jail with bond set at $12,500, according to jail records.
“He was caught because he sold a car to somebody who kept all of his information … and discovered the car was stolen when he tried to have it registered,” Mason said.
Police have linked Haliburton to a specific number of stolen vehicles.
“But we feel that there are a lot more out there,” Mason said. “And there are many unsuspecting people who have purchased a car from Mr. Haliburton.”
Police are seeking the public’s help in determining how many stolen vehicles Haliburton allegedly sold.
“If you have purchased a vehicle from Mr. Haliburton, I would ask you to call the regional Auto Theft Task Force,” Mason said. “Allow us to at least inspect your vehicle to make sure it’s not stolen … that the VIN plate hasn’t been flipped.”
Mason also said it is important for customers to call police because they could face legal problems.
"With you calling us, it’ll give you the opportunity to avoid going to jail for possession of a stolen vehicle,” Mason said. “If we find the vehicle has been stolen, you will not be charged.”
Customers, however, won't get to keep the vehicle, Mason said.
Anyone who may have purchased a car from Haliburton is asked to call the Atlanta Police at 404-546-4205.
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