When 25-year-old David Galbreath of Pinson, Ala., didn't receive the firearm he purchased in an online auction from a Holiday man, he did some researching.
After a winning bid of $860 for an ArmaLite rifle on GunBroker.com, he sent the money to James William Duncan, a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report states. When it didn't come, he discovered photos of the same gun and serial number were posted numerous times on the website, as though they were being copied and reposted, "making it appear the item is for real," a report states.
Galbreath notified Pasco deputies.
Another bidder from Texas had the same problem and also alerted the sheriff's office.
On Wednesday, Duncan, 48, of 8802 Bainbridge Lane, was arrested on three counts of grand theft. He was released from the Land O' Lakes Jail later Wednesday after posting $6,000 bail.
He declined to comment Thursday when reached at home.
According to reports, he told Pasco detectives he set up the fake auctions and used the money to pay for clothing, food and expenses for his children.
He was "very cooperative and forthcoming" when questioned, a detective wrote in his report.
Detectives suspect Duncan defrauded more gun buyers across the nation and are continuing the investigation.
"We feel there are at least six or seven victims," sheriff's office spokesman Kevin Doll said. "We're still checking."
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