Puna man charged in alleged Internet ticket scam
Anthony Derick Berson, 19, of Keaau, Hawaii, was charged with four counts of second-degree theft, one count of third-degree theft, and four counts of use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime. The crimes surfaced after four victims on the mainland reported that they responded to a Craigslist posting by someone claiming to be selling tickets to the sold-out Coachella Music Festival being held this weekend in Indio, Calif. Berson used various aliases while posting Craigslist ads, including "Nathan Parker," "Christopher Wilson," "Terry Morton" and "Trevor Hart."
Hawaii County police charged a 19-year-old Puna man with promoting an Internet ticket scam in California.
Authorities charged Anthony Derick Berson of Keaau Thursday with four counts of second-degree theft, one count of third-degree theft and four counts of use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime.
Police released Berson on his own recognizance after conferring with prosecutors and his attorney.
Four mainland victims reported someone posted an ad on Craigslist claiming to sell tickets to the sold-out Coachella Music Festival being held this weekend in Indio, Calif.
The purported seller asked the victims to wire him money in advance, and he would send them the festival passes and wristbands. The victims sent the money, but the items never arrived.
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An Office of Consumer Protection investigator posed as a buyer wanting passes. He and the purported seller agreed to a password and control number to use when claiming the money.
On Tuesday, Berson went to a Hilo Western Union office and used the control number and password to claim $900, police said.
Instead police arrested him.
Berson is scheduled to appear in District Court May 29.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or e-mail him at dmorimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us. Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 or 329-8181.
