Police: Craigslist used for robbery

CHICAGO, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Three young Chicago men advertised televisions for sale on Craigslist and then robbed the would-be buyers, police said.

Dwayne Williams, 20, was arrested Tuesday by undercover detectives, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The detectives said they responded to an ad and met Williams in an alley. When Williams showed them a gun instead of the advertised television, they identified themselves as police, taking him into custody as he tried to run away.

Williams allegedly carried out 11 similar crimes, police said.

Jalmar Smalling, 19, and his brother, Jamelle, 18, were caught in a similar operation, police said. Detectives said Jalmar Smalling led the undercover team to a backyard, where his brother was waiting for them with a heavy piece of pipe.

The brothers have been charged with five counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery.

All three were arraigned Thursday. Williams and Jalmar Smalling were being held on $500,000 bail, while bail was set at $450,000 for Jamelle Smalling.