Man loses nearly eveything in Craigslist scheme

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. -- (04/03/08)-- Authorities have arrested an Oregon couple, saying they used a Craigslist posting to cover up a burglary.

The posting said a man's belongings were free for the taking, but they were not. The couple is accused of taking saddles and other items.

It was a Craigslist posting that cost an Oregon man nearly all of his belongings. The online notice said Robert Salisbury had to leave the state, so everything he owned was free for the taking.

People went to his home and nearly cleaned him out.

Authorities now say the posting had a different purpose -- to cover up a burglary by a pair of thieves going online to cover their tracks.

Jackson County sheriff's deputies have arrested the couple, saying the two stole horse saddles and other items from Salisbury's home, then sold the saddles online.

Authorities tracked computer files to Amber and Brandon Herbert.  "We did a search of the computer. We found remnants of a Craigslist posting as well as other indications they were on Cragislist and modifying the posting," explained sheriff department spokesman Rich Fogarty.

Deputies say the couple took goods from Salisbury's garage a few days before going on Craigslist. They also looked at his property, which was listed for rent. 

The Herberts were booked on burglary, theft and computer crime charges.

As for the belongings taken by people, some have been returned, but thousands of dollars worth of goods are still missing.

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