Chicago Man Charged for Robbing 5 at Gunpoint Over Pokémon Cards

Suspect used Facebook Marketplace to lure victims before stealing their collections

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:22pm

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A 23-year-old Chicago man named Anthony Garcia has been arrested and charged with five felony robbery counts after allegedly using Facebook Marketplace to set up meetings with Pokémon card sellers, only to pull a gun on them and steal their collections in a series of incidents over the past two weeks.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks of in-person transactions arranged through online marketplaces, as well as the continued popularity and value of Pokémon card collections that have made them a target for theft and robbery. It also raises concerns about gun violence and public safety in certain Chicago neighborhoods.

The details

According to the Chicago Police Department, Garcia contacted victims who had posted ads on Facebook Marketplace offering to sell Pokémon cards, agreed to buy the cards, and then directed the sellers to building lobbies in the 5200 and 5300 blocks of South Kedzie Street. When the victims arrived, Garcia allegedly displayed a gun and took their Pokémon card collections. He is accused of carrying out five such robberies between March 17 and March 29, targeting men between the ages of 19 and 29.

  • On March 17, Garcia allegedly robbed a victim at gunpoint.
  • On March 27, Garcia allegedly robbed another victim at gunpoint.
  • On March 28, Garcia allegedly robbed yet another victim at gunpoint.
  • On March 29, Garcia allegedly robbed two more victims at gunpoint.

The players

Anthony Garcia

A 23-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with five felony robbery counts for allegedly using Facebook Marketplace to lure Pokémon card sellers and then robbing them at gunpoint.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Garcia and is investigating the series of Pokémon card robberies.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the risks of in-person transactions arranged through online marketplaces, as well as the continued popularity and value of Pokémon card collections that have made them a target for theft and robbery.”

— Chicago Police Department

What’s next

Garcia is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday afternoon, where a judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for caution when arranging in-person transactions through online platforms, as well as the potential dangers of the thriving Pokémon card collecting market, which has attracted the attention of criminals looking to exploit vulnerable sellers.