Three Arrested in Tennessee After Facebook Marketplace Jewelry Sale Leads to Armed Robbery
The incident in affluent Franklin, Tennessee, highlights risks associated with online transactions.
Three men have been arrested and face multiple felony charges following an armed robbery that originated from a jewelry listing on Facebook Marketplace in Franklin, Tennessee. The incident occurred late Friday, Oct. 9, when police responded to a home in northeast Franklin.
Authorities determined the robbery was connected to jewelry advertised for sale on the online platform. The three suspects fled the scene but were later spotted by officers, leading to a vehicle pursuit that concluded with their apprehension, according to the Franklin Police Department.
The arrested individuals were identified as Ivan Lagos-Espinoza, 22, and Jose Paiz-Godoy, 23, both of Nashville, and Rubel Rodriguez-Lisa, 19, of Lebanon. They each face charges including aggravated robbery, felony evading, and tampering with evidence.
Franklin is known for its affluence; its city website describes it as "one of the wealthiest cities in one of the wealthiest counties in the United States." Realtor.com reported in September 2026 that the median home sale price in Franklin was $903,410, with a median listing price of $1.1 million. In the broader Williamson County, the median home sale price was $929,990.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation and apprehension of the suspects. The incident has prompted warnings for online sellers regarding the potential dangers of meeting strangers at their homes, especially when selling valuable items.
Police recommend that buyers and sellers arrange exchanges in public, well-lit areas with witnesses and surveillance cameras. For high-value items, meeting at a law enforcement facility is advised. Sellers are also encouraged to bring a companion, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and limit the personal information shared with potential buyers, such as details about their home, schedule, or other valuables.
Authorities cautioned that items like jewelry and electronics can attract criminals. The Franklin Police Department advised, "If something about the buyer, seller or proposed meeting location does not feel right, cancel the transaction."