Storm Lake Police say two men are facing felony theft charges after allegedly selling fake Rolex watches on Facebook Marketplace.
On Sept. 24, a local resident reported trading a 2010 Camaro for a Rolex—only to discover the watch was counterfeit. Investigators soon linked the case to a similar report earlier in the month, where a buyer paid $9,000 for another fake Rolex.
A joint investigation between the Storm Lake Police Department and the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office led authorities to the suspects. On Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop at College Street and West Lakeshore Drive in Storm Lake, taking two individuals into custody.
Search warrants were executed across Buena Vista, Sac, and Pocahontas Counties, where evidence was seized.
Charged with second degree theft are 28-year-old Luis Jimenez Barajas of Laurens and 22-year-old Sebastian Alexander Gutierrez of Newell. Additional charges may follow.
Authorities urge anyone who believes they’ve been targeted by similar scams to contact local law enforcement.
