Man charged with armed robbery in apparent fake Facebook Marketplace deal in Hermitage

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A man is facing charges after he allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint in late October as part of a seemingly trumped-up Facebook Marketplace deal, according to an arrest report.

The report states that 40-year-old Perry Johnson contacted the victim, with whom he had made several deals on Facebook Marketplace, to have the victim pick him up to complete an unfulfilled purchase of dehumidifiers and air washers for the victim's restoration company .

The victim had plans to purchase several more dehumidifiers and fans from Johnson for $900, based on previous text messages between the two. The report states that the victim picked up Johnson and drove to the Priest Lake Apartments Bay in Hermitage where he was told the equipment was being stored.

Upon arrival, the suspect claimed to have contacted the person who had stored the equipment in the apartment's garage. The report states that Johnson then asked the victim, “Do you want to go home to your daughter tonight?”

He then allegedly pointed a gun at the victim through his jacket pocket and demanded money. The victim turned over the $900 he had with him.

Johnson was identified as a suspect in the case through a separate, independent investigation involving his phone number. He was arrested on Monday, November 11th and charged with aggravated robbery.

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.