Boston Man Allegedly Used Online Dating Service To Set Up Armed Robberies
BOSTON (CBS) - Rakeem Austin hid behind a door Monday inside Dorchester District Court. The 30-year-old Dorchester man faces a host of charges including five counts of Armed Robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon.
"After taking their items at gunpoint he forced the victims to lie on the floor," Prosecutor Michele Granda said in court.
Prosecutors say Austin cooked up a scheme using an online dating service to lure his victims to a designated area for a romantic rendezvous with a woman. But when the victims arrived he robbed them at gunpoint.
"I thought he was going to shoot me. He put the gun to my head and took my wallet," one victim said who did not want to be identified.
This victim says Austin put a gun right to his head stole his wallet, money and credit cards. "It was scary the gun was on my face I thought he was going to shoot me," the victim said.
Austin has an long criminal record and was wearing a GPS ankle bracelet, which helped police identify him as the suspect in this string of "catfishing" more than a half dozen people.
"I'm happy I'm still alive but I would like to get my stuff back," the victim said.
Austin is being held without bail. He is due back in court on Dec 18th for probable cause hearing.