Gallatin, Tennessee – A Gallatin man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he used online marketplace meetups to lure victims and rob them at gunpoint. Authorities allege the suspect targeted individuals arranging sales through Facebook Marketplace, creating situations that quickly turned into frightening encounters.
Charles Lee Bradford, 36, was taken into custody on the evening of Feb. 3 following reports from two victims who described similar incidents. According to court records, the first victim told police he arranged to meet Bradford at an Airport Road apartment complex to sell a watch for $80. When the victim arrived, Bradford allegedly entered the vehicle, grabbed the watch, and lifted his jacket to reveal the black grip of what appeared to be a pistol.
Victims describe armed threats during meetups
Later the same day, a second victim contacted police after arranging through Facebook Marketplace to sell two pairs of sneakers at the same address. After the victim arrived, Bradford reportedly pulled a pistol from his waistline and issued a chilling threat “Keep it moving before I spray up the whole car.”
Both victims later identified Bradford using his driver’s license photo, helping investigators confirm the suspect’s identity. Officers located Bradford later that evening and took him into custody.
Investigators also linked Bradford to a separate January shoplifting incident at a Dollar General store on South Water Avenue. According to court records, the store manager reported that Bradford left the store with multiple items without paying. Police reviewed in-store surveillance video that allegedly captured the incident.
Bradford now faces two counts of aggravated robbery in connection with the alleged armed encounters and one count of theft under $1,000 related to the shoplifting case. He was booked into the Sumner County Jail, where bail was set at $100,000.
Court records indicate Bradford is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on Feb. 20.
The incidents serve as a reminder for residents using online marketplaces to take precautions when meeting buyers or sellers. Law enforcement agencies often advise conducting transactions in public, well-lit locations and notifying others of meeting arrangements to reduce risk.
