For several months, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has received calls from citizens alleging they have been the victims of fraud. The victims have stated, they have purchased appliances on the websites of either Craigslist, Backpage or Offer-Up and the appliances have not worked.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Bureau was able to identify the suspect who was selling the appliances as 32-year-old Christopher Lee Erickson of San Tan Valley. It was discovered during the investigation, that Erickson was picking up free appliances from people and then selling them and describing them to buyers and “excellent condition” or “works great.”
On October 18, 2016 detectives served a search warrant on Erickson’s house in the 38000 block of North Johnathan Street, San Tan Valley. Evidence was collected and Erickson was booked into the Pinal County Sheriff’s Jail for Fraudulent Schemes. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond.
Detectives have located 18 alleged victims so far but believe there are additional. If you have purchased an appliance from Christoper Lee Erickson or his father, Randy Erickson and it didn’t work, call, 520-866-5111 or email Detective Porras at abelino.porras@pinalcountyaz.gov.