Facebook Marketplace Sellers Warned After Northeast Thefts
Suspect faces charges after alleged victims were assaulted during electronics trades at local shops.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Crime
Portlanders selling electronics online are facing increased caution after two recent robberies in Northeast Portland involving a buyer using the Facebook Marketplace alias Alexis Gray. Police have charged Fallon Yvette Penney in connection with the incidents, which involved physical assaults during the alleged phone thefts.
Why it matters
These incidents highlight the risks associated with in-person exchanges for high-value items like iPhones arranged through social media platforms. Local residents are now looking to the Multnomah County court system to navigate the ongoing legal proceedings against the suspect.
The two robberies occurred at the Gateway Shopping Center and a Heavenly Donuts near 102nd Avenue, where a $1,000 device was reportedly stolen. The suspect faces two counts of second-degree robbery, though the involvement of an unidentified male accomplice remains under investigation.
The players
Fallon Yvette Penney
The individual charged with two counts of second-degree robbery following a string of online marketplace thefts.
The details
According to investigators, the suspect used the online name Alexis Gray to lure victims to public locations before she and an accomplice allegedly forcibly snatched iPhones. In the second incident at a donut shop on 102nd Avenue, a victim was reportedly dragged by the suspects' SUV while they fled. Penney, who was previously convicted of fleeing a police officer in September 2025, now faces separate, pending charges of assault and criminal mischief filed earlier this month.
Timeline
September 2025: Penney was convicted of fleeing a police officer.
October 1, 2026: Separate charges for assault and harassment were filed.
October 15, 2026: Two alleged robberies occurred in Northeast Portland hours apart.
Beyond the Bridges
This incident follows a documented trend of sellers being targeted by predatory buyers in public spaces. It serves as a stark illustration of the risks the Portland Police Bureau warns about when using platforms like Facebook Marketplace for high-value electronics sales.
If you are selling electronics online, consider meeting at a well-lit public space or a designated safe-exchange location. Always remain alert during the transaction and avoid handing over your device until the payment is fully verified.
The takeaway
When arranging a sale, verify the identity of the buyer and insist on meeting in a highly populated area during daylight hours. Residents should keep an eye on court records for updates on the pending robbery and assault cases involving the suspect.
Further reading
For more on staying safe during local transactions, see our Financial Crime coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
