Cheated When Selling a Smart Phone
My question involves civil rights in the State of:
I have a posting on craigslist, which to sell an IPhone 5. Yesterday, a couple sent messages to buy my phone, after we discuss, the agreement price is $590, then we meet at McDonalds. When we both arrived at McDonalds, the male call me said let me come to his car. In this moment, he didn't turn off engine, didn't get off his car, and locked his car's door, only open the door window. When I meet with him, he told me that he needs to check iPhone first then give me the money. Then I gave the phone, after he checked, he gave me the money, but the amount is not correct, because the price is $590, but he gave me the money was too thin which I touch. When I got the money I know this money is not correct (Actually he gave me $210.), I said please wait, stop, In this moment, he drove his car to leave. I can’t stop his crime.
After that, I call 911 to report; this is the first time I got a cheat crime. I was terrified, I told the police that someone rob me, when the police came the place, I told that someone didn't give me the money and he got my phone.
Today, the police call me that let me come to the police department to talk, I come to the department and meet with police officer. The officer told me that the robbery place didn't have camera, but a drug officer told me that he already saw me get the money. I said why you were watching the place? He told me that in this place there is a lot of drug trade, so he always watches. I don't think he can watch this place, but I gave up my insistence, I confess, I got the money, and I told that I am really sorry about the lie, because I just want to quickly to solve this problem.
After the police know I was lie, the police let me choose two things. First, give up your case, take the money and leave; you can’t get any more money. Second, you and the guy will both go to jail, you will have a crime history, because you lie to police, and the guy have a cheat. They repeatedly stressed that the two choices, they also said very tired to investigate. In this point, I only can choose the first option. Sign a paper and leave. I feel that I was forced to sign it.
Please help me to answer little questions. What Can I do next step? Can I sue the guy in court? Does my lie is illegal? This thing happen in Charlotte, NC
Thanks for your read and help!
Re: to Answer Little Criminal
You could investigate the possibility of suing the other party in small claims court.
Re: Cheated When Selling a Smart Phone
Yes, when you knowingly made a false police report of a robbery you were committing a crime, and yes, when you choose to commit a crime you can be prosecuted for that crime. It's a shame you lied, as otherwise the officer who observed the transaction (which would have looked, from his vantage point, like a drug deal) might have had some useful information to bring to the investigation.
As AZDeputyClerk indicates, if you can identify the 'buyer' you can sue in small claims court.