Images on social media lead to arrest of robbery suspect

On Behalf of | Oct 12, 2017 | Criminal Defense |

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can be entertaining ways for Kentucky residents to share special moments of their lives with their friends and family. While most people are aware that these web-based portals have different security settings that may limit who may view their profiles and included content, they may not be aware of how the information shared about them online can be used to lodge criminal accusations against them.

Recently, a man was arrested for his alleged participation in a robbery that occurred in Lexington. The purported crime happened at the Fayette Mall and involved several individuals allegedly using weapons to threaten customers and take their money. The man who was arrested had a warrant issued for wanton endangerment and is now awaiting his fate within the Kentucky criminal justice system.

During the alleged robbery, surveillance cameras caught images of the individuals that authorities suspect committed the crime. They compared the images captured by the surveillance cameras to pictures posted on Facebook of the man they arrested the same day that the alleged crime occurred. According to authorities, the man was identified because he was wearing the same clothing in the Facebook pictures as the person who allegedly participated in the mall robbery.

It is clear that what people choose to share and what others share about them on social media can have a profound impact on their lives. As this man moves farther into the process of defending himself against his pending charges, he and his criminal defense attorneys may address the use of social media in the arrest process of suspects and the mistakes that can be made during the collection of evidence from web-based sources.

Source: Kentucky.com, “Man accused of pointing weapon at Fayette Mall customers is arrested,” Mike Stunson, Sept. 25, 2017

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