Cape Duo Charged with Armed Robbery in Facebook Marketplace Deal Gone Wrong

SANDWICH, MASSACHUSETTS — A routine online sale of watches spiraled into a terrifying armed robbery, but swift multi-agency police work has landed two suspects behind bars, Sandwich Police officials announced today. According to a Sandwich Police media statement, the incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when a 22-year-old male resident of Sandwich reported being robbed outside his home by two individuals. The victim had arranged to sell two watches through Facebook Marketplace, but the suspects robbed him instead. Following the robbery, the perpetrators fled on foot and are believed to have entered a vehicle, departing the area before police could respond. Sandwich Police officers arrived at the scene, interviewed the victim, and searched the surrounding area with help from a Mashpee Police Department K-9 unit. Officer Marissa Mancini handled the initial report, with assistance from Detectives Matt O’Brien and Nate Reid. The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit also responded to aid the investigation. Through the ongoing probe, authorities identified two suspects: 19-year-old Broderick Simoneau of Hyannis and 22-year-old Alexander Vakalopoulos of Centerville and Dennis. Arrest warrants were issued for both on charges of armed robbery. Simoneau was apprehended on January 23, 2026, with support from the Barnstable Police Department. Vakalopoulos was located and arrested on January 27, 2026, by the Dennis Police Department. The arrests resulted from a collaborative effort involving the Sandwich Police Department, Mashpee Police Department, Barnstable Police Department, Dennis Police Department, Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, and Cape Cod Detective Network. In their statement, Sandwich Police urged the public to exercise caution during online transactions, recommending safe exchange locations in public settings and considering the time of day. HN Reminder: The details contained in the above report are based upon a Sandwich PD media statement. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In other news:   Falmouth Man Busted in Car Break-In: AirPods Lead to Stolen Goods FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS — A local man’s arrest in a vehicle theft at a healthcare facility has uncovered a trove of suspected stolen items, Falmouth Police announced today. On January 20, 2026, officers responded to a reported motor vehicle break-in at the facility, where a backpack was stolen containing a wallet, cash, a passport, AirPods, and other personal items. Using surveillance footage and location data from the AirPods, investigators identified a suspect. A search warrant was executed on January 27, 2026, at a Gifford Street residence, resulting in the recovery of the victim’s property. Dozens of additional items believed to be stolen from other victims were also found, along with multiple sets of keys linked to several motor vehicle thefts reported over recent months. One set was confirmed to belong to a previously recovered stolen vehicle held by the Falmouth Police Department. Eric Gifford, 56, of Falmouth, was arrested and charged with Breaking Into a Depository and Larceny Under $1,200. He was booked, transported to the Barnstable County Correctional Complex, arraigned this morning at Falmouth District Court, and released on personal recognizance. The investigation into the seized items continues, with updates to follow. Residents who suspect their property was stolen from a vehicle or elsewhere are urged to contact Detective Kurt Ruta at kurt.ruta@falmouthpolicema.gov with descriptions of missing items. HN Reminder: The details contained in the above report are based upon a Falmouth PD media statement. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In other news: Cocaine Haul Leads to Trafficking Charges against Wareham Man WAREHAM, MASSACHUSETTS — Wareham Police executed a major narcotics bust, arresting a local man and seizing large quantities of suspected cocaine, authorities announced today. On January 23, 2025, the Wareham Police Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by the Patrol Division, served two state-issued search warrants related to narcotics on 53-year-old Charles Lehr of Wareham. The warrants targeted his vehicle and residence. The operation resulted in Lehr’s arrest and the confiscation of substantial amounts of suspected cocaine along with drug-related paraphernalia. Lehr faces charges of trafficking cocaine and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance. He was arraigned at the Wareham Fourth District Court. Chief Walter Correia Jr. commended the joint efforts of the Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol Division for removing potentially lethal drugs from Wareham’s streets. [Lehr’s booking photo was unavailable at the time of this report] HN Reminder: The details contained in the above report are based upon a Wareham PD media statement. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by Nicki Minaj… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!]