SARASOTA, Fla. — Four teens have been arrested after they reportedly used the buy/sell app, "LetGo," to rob and beat a man in a Sarasota parking lot, deputies say.
Deputies responded to Cattlemen Road in Sarasota on Sunday afternoon just after 12:30 p.m. for a report of a strong arm robbery. When they arrived on scene, the victim told them he coordinated an online purchase of an iPhone through the popular "LetGo" app. The victim arrived and made contact with the seller and handed the seller $400 in return for the phone. The seller took the money and then tried to steal the phone back before pepper-spraying and attacking the victim. The victim was struck multiple times in his head and face, according to deputies.
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The seller then got into a gold Buick sedan driven by another male with two passengers and left the scene.
Detectives identified the person who posted the phone for sale on "LetGo" as Taylor Henderson, 18, of Sarasota. A witness also told deputies they saw a female in the vehicle that matched Henderson's description and they saw her counting the stolen cash as they drove away. Detectives also located the vehicle used in the robbery and identified the driver as Marvin Jones, 18. Brandon Reddish, 19, was identifed as the main suspect who reportedly beat the victim. The other passenger in the vehicle was identified as Henderson's boyfriend, Jordan Jackson, 18, of Sarasota.
- Henderson is charged with Principal to Armed Robbery. She was arrested Tuesday and is being held without bond. Jones is charged with Principal to Armed Robbery. He was arrested Tuesday and is being held without bond.
- Reddish is charged with Armed Robbery, Displaying a Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Battery. He was arrested Tuesday and is being held without bond.
- Jackson is charged with Principal to Armed Robbery. He was arrested Tuesday and is being held on $50,000 bond.
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“This was an extremely scary situation for the victim in this case who ultimately did the right thing by conducting the transaction in a public place,” commented Sheriff Tom Knight. “We are relieved the victim was not more seriously injured and grateful there were witnesses who helped piece together a timeline of events which put these four people behind bars. It is a sad day when defendants who are this young decide to take advantage of someone and end up with a felony charge on their record.”
