Man arrested trying to sell stolen motorcycle on Craigslist
Andrew Pentis
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 8, 2007 02:44 PM
Mesa police said a Gilbert man tried to sell a motorcycle on the popular Craigslist web site. Unfortunately for him, it was stolen - and detectives were the only interested buyers, according to police.
Stephen George Sorenson, 21, was arrested about 11 p.m. Wednesday at his home near Gilbert and Guadalupe roads on suspicion of trafficking in stolen property, according to a report.
Sorenson's ad priced the 2003 Honda CRF450R motorcycle at $1,900. An anonymous caller contacted Apache Junction police to run the vehicle identification number and was told the motorcycle was reported stolen in Mesa, police said.
An undercover Mesa detective then called the number on the advertisement and left two voice mail messages expressing interest in purchasing the motorcycle. Sorenson told the detective the motorcycle was still for sale, and arrangements were made to meet, according to the report.
At about 10 p.m., two undercover detectives arrived at Sorenson's residence acting as potential buyers and matched the VIN with the records of the stolen motorcycle. They also saw that the motorcycle's factory markings had been covered with black spray paint. Sorenson told them he suspected it was stolen and that's why he lowered his asking price. Even after police suggested that he turn it over to authorities or dump it, Sorenson offered to sell it to them for $1,000. Other officers then arrived to arrest him.
While detained, Sorenson said he bought the motorcycle from a former neighbor for $900. He said he suspected it was stolen and called Apache Junction police to confirm it, and they said it was, according to the report.
Police estimated motorcycle's value at $3,500.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/1108abrk-motorcycle1108.html
