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Facebook Trips Up High-Living Fugitive

Alleged bank fraudster caught in Cancun

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 14, 2009 4:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – Fugitives of the world, take note: If you’re having the time of your life hanging out in Cancun, you probably shouldn’t brag about it on Facebook. And you definitely shouldn’t add an ex-Justice Department official as a friend. Take it from Maxi Sopo, a 26-year-old who had spent the last seven months on the lamb after allegedly helping to mastermind a bank fraud scheme.

Sopo was living in an apartment in Cancun, working at a hotel, and posting updates saying he was “living in paradise” and “loving it.” A Secret Service agent found the Facebook page, but it was open only to friends. So he scanned Sopo’s friend list, and discovered one person listed an affiliation with the Justice Department. When an assistant US attorney contacted him, he swiftly turned over his new “friend” upon learning of his background.

Assistant US Attorney Michael Scoville displays the Facebook page, and an enlarged profile photo, of fugitive Maxi Sopo, Oct. 13, 2009, in Seattle.
Assistant US Attorney Michael Scoville displays the Facebook page, and an enlarged profile photo, of fugitive Maxi Sopo, Oct. 13, 2009, in Seattle.   (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Maxi Sopo, who is accused of being part of a bank-fraud ring in Seattle, is shown in this photo from the US Attorney's office.
Maxi Sopo, who is accused of being part of a bank-fraud ring in Seattle, is shown in this photo from the US Attorney's office.   (AP Photo/Courtesy Seattle U.S. Attorney's office)
The facebook page of Maxi Sopo, who is accused of being part of a bank-fraud ring in Seattle, is seen in this screenshot.
The facebook page of Maxi Sopo, who is accused of being part of a bank-fraud ring in Seattle, is seen in this screenshot.   (AP Photo/facebook.com)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
plstyle
Oct 15, 2009 5:47 AM CDT
you can hide your friends. its a "privacy" option
barthy
Oct 15, 2009 3:42 AM CDT
look at his little ears on pic 2 their dwarf-like
DontLikeYou___
Oct 15, 2009 3:21 AM CDT
I was thinking the same exact thing, youngblood.

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