Crime & Safety

Stamford Resident Extorts Victim For Blackberry, Eludes Police

Marlon Absolom of Stamford has been charged with theft, low-level extortion, and interfering with police for attempting stealing a victim's cellphone and fabricating his identity to escape arrest.

Stamford's Marlon Absolom, 29, was arrested by the Stamford Police Department at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon for attempting to extort a man for a stolen cellphone, and then lying to police about his identity to make a getaway.

"On Aug. 27, an individual told us that his cellphone, a Sprint Blackberry, was stolen at Papa's Pizza. On Aug. 30, he reported that he got a call from someone claiming to have his stolen phone," SPD Sgt. Dispagna said. "The suspect said he'd give the phone back for $200."

The victim and suspected arranged a meet at McDonalds on East Main Street to make the exchange, according to SPD. Two officers accompanied the victim and remained in a car, monitoring the situation.

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"When the meeting took place, the police intervened. The suspect identified himself to police as 'Michael Williams', and supplied them with his address, date of birth, and phone number. He stated that the phone was not actually on him, but at his house," Dispagna said.

"Michael" was allowed to leave and retrieve the cell phone. Not after after the suspect's departure, officers discovered that all information given to them by "Michael" was false, including his name.

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"The two officers then began a dogged pursuit of "Michael", and later spotted him at East Main Street and Seaton Road. They took him into custody," Dispagna said.

According to SPD, "Michael" was identified as Marlon Absolom, who was residing at 215 Lawn Ave. Absolom has been charged with sixth degree larceny for stealing the phone, second degree larceny for attempting to extort the suspect, and interfering with police by giving them false information.

"The suspect arranged for the return of the phone, and was held on a $5,000 bond, which he's already posted," Dispagna said.


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