Massachusetts Facebook Marketplace transaction turns criminal, suspect sought

Police are looking for the public’s help to catch a suspect allegedly involved in an incident this week.

According to Det. Lt. Michael Skowyra, on Monday, a Kingston resident arranged to sell pieces of his jewelry in the parking lot of the Kingston Collection mall via Facebook Marketplace. It is alleged that the “buyer” arrived, took the jewelry from the seller, as well as additional jewelry (valued at several thousand dollars), jumped back in his vehicle and fled. The seller, attempting to stop the theft, ended up being sprayed with his own mace and being dragged while holding onto the suspect’s vehicle.

Through an investigation by both patrol officers and detectives, the suspect has been identified as Jonathan Esteban Roman-Falcon, 29, of Dorchester. Among other evidence leading to identifying him, the defendant used his real name on Facebook to arrange for the sale. He later changed his Facebook name, but not before it was captured and preserved by our officers (nice try). He has an extensive criminal record including thefts and violent crimes. He currently has a warrant for his arrest for an armed robbery in Boston that occurred just days earlier. Now, we are requesting a felony warrant issue for the arrest of Roman-Falcon in this matter as well. He may be armed and should be considered dangerous, do not approach him.

Skowyra wanted to remind the community of the designated parking spot at the police station for situations just like this. When arranging an e-commerce sale, you are often dealing with individuals you don’t know. Police encourage you to conduct these sales at the police station. Regardless of where you decide to conduct the sale, if a larceny attempt occurs; do not fight back, gather as much info as possible (suspect description, license plate, etc.) and contact the police. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Information on Jonathan Esteban Roman-Falcon’s whereabouts? Contact Det. Lt. Michael Skowyra at mskowyra@kpdmass.org or 781-585-0523 ext. 6662.