Medina County Sheriff: Craigslist sellers taken in by real buyer with phony checks

MEDINA COUNTY -- Investigators are searching for a man who they allege has purchased items from the website Craigslist using phony checks.

So far, investigators found five motorcycles and three trucks purchased the same way from sellers living in communities from Portage to Ashtabula counties and points in between.

Investigators say in each case the vehicles were purchased with a counterfeit bank check.  By the time the seller went to cash the check it was too late.

Authorities say they have a good idea of who they want to talk to in connection with the purchases.  They say the buyer is using his real name and identification.  But so far, the buyer, identified by investigators as Lamar Johnson, has eluded police since last fall.

A first-time Craigslist seller who we'll call "Eugene" to protect his true identity sold his Honda Sport Bike for $6,000.

Eugene says Johnson showed up late at night and paid with a U.S. bank check. 

"It looked like a legitimate check," Eugene said.

Investigators say the check was counterfeit.

Eugene complained to the Medina County Sheriff's department.

In a day's time, Detective Tadd Davis found seven more complaints in other police jurisdictions of motorcycles and trucks purchased the same way.

"He's good at what he does, from what I've determined. He's very convincing," Detective Davis said.

Investigators say Johnson even photocopies his driver's license for the seller.

"It's unusual. It is unusual. A lot of times a criminal will want to keep his identity concealed (but) for whatever reason, he's throwing it out there," Detective Davis said.

Detective Davis says Johnson bought a Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. Most purchases were between $5,000 and $9,000.

All of them were made at night or on weekends.

"Coming late at night, this gives an eight-hour delay time to deposit to the bank. If it comes on the weekend, that's a 24-48 hour window," Detective Davis said.

Investigators say Johnson's smooth delivery put sellers at ease.

"He's done this to me. He's done this to other people I found out now. I just want him to pay the price," Eugene said.

Detective Davis says Johnson has an extensive criminal history, which includes robbery, theft, felony domestic violence and gun charges.

He is considered dangerous. Should you see him, call the Medina County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators say he is still operating in the area. Investigators say they received another report in North Royalton on Wednesday.