Serial craigslist thief on loose in Midlands

Richland County authorities are looking for a man on a petty crime spree stealing items offered for sale in the Midlands on the craigslist.org web site.

To date, most of the thefts have occurred in the northern part of the county, in the 29223 or 29210 zip codes, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott indicated in a news release.

The suspect, Jason Boulware, 35, is accused of stealing two cell phones, a video gaming system and games, and a pet snake, after contacting and arranging to meet people who had posted their items for sale on craigslist.org.

In all but one instance, he looked at the item and then told the seller he needed to go upstairs, or to his room, or down the block, to show it to his girlfriend. He never returned.

On July 2, he met the victim selling a video gaming system and games at the St. Andrews Commons Apartments. When she handed him a bag with the items inside to inspect them, he took off running, taking a Play Station 4 console, 2 controllers and 7 games worth an estimated $895, the sheriff said. .

Lott said Boulware sometimes uses an alias. He has used the name Mike and has spelled his name Jayson.

People buying or selling items through social media sites are encouraged to take precautions such never going to a meeting alone and meeting in well lit areas where there are lots of other people.

The Richland County Sheriff’s department allows online buyers to use the department headquarters parking lot at 5623 Two Notch Road as a safe meeting place, Lott said.