MONROE — A lot of stuff that gets sold on Craigslist turns out to be stolen.
Even Emma.
Emma, a 3-month-old black Labrador-boxer mix, was returned to her family in Monroe last week after being dog-napped Dec. 7 and sold on Craigslist, a popular classifieds-style website.
A 17-year-old Monroe girl was supposed to feed Emma at the owner’s home. The girl was friends with the owner’s younger sister, Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis said.
The girl told Emma’s family that the puppy ran away.
Meanwhile, she reportedly already had posted a Craigslist ad offering a “Great Dane” puppy for $250. The ad was posted Dec. 6, the day before the girl was supposed to show up to feed Emma.
“She had every intention of acquiring a dog to steal,” Willis said.
A Monroe-area woman bought Emma for $200.
The woman then posted pictures of her new puppy to her Facebook page.
That’s when the crime unraveled.
Someone recognized Emma and Monroe police got involved.
The girl was arrested Dec. 12 for investigation of first-degree trafficking in stolen property and theft of a pet, Willis said.
Emma and her owner, a 19-year-old Monroe woman, were happily reunited last week at the police station along W. Main Street.
“The minute the dog saw the owner, it became excited and you knew that she knew that owner,” Willis said.
The investigation continues. The finished case will be forwarded to prosecutors for possible charges.
Monroe police often see Craigslist used to sell stolen property, Willis said. Buyers should be cautious.
“People have to be aware … and do some investigating before purchasing,” she said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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