Akron, Ohio – A Summit County jury has convicted a 23-year-old Ravenna man for his role in a calculated armed robbery that took place at the Woods of Fairlawn apartment complex in Akron, Ohio, after the victim was allegedly lured through social media.
Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict
On Friday, January 23, a Summit County jury found Lesarion A. Marsh, 23, guilty of aggravated robbery with a three-year firearm specification and felonious assault, according to a news release from Summit County Prosecutor Elliott Kolkovich.
The conviction stems from a violent incident that occurred in March 2024, when Akron police were called to the Woods of Fairlawn apartments along Manor Road following a reported robbery.
Victim Lured Through Instagram
Police arrived to find the victim half-clothed and visibly shaken. According to investigators, the man told officers he had been “set up for a robbery.” The suspects allegedly stole his clothing, phone, and keys during the attack.
Court documents reveal that days before the robbery, the victim was contacted on Instagram by a woman he did not know. The two arranged to meet in person, and the woman later picked him up and drove him to the apartment complex.
As they crossed the street near the complex, Marsh and another unidentified suspect allegedly ambushed the victim, brandishing firearms while assaulting and robbing him.
Investigation Uncovers Coordinated Plot
When questioned by police about possible conflicts, the victim identified Marsh as someone he knew from the Kent area. Investigators later determined that Marsh had orchestrated the robbery, including coordinating the victim’s pickup and ambush location.
Prosecutors described the incident as a premeditated attack that used social media as a tool to gain the victim’s trust before committing the crime.
Codefendant Pleads Guilty
Court records show that Isabella Cunningham, 20, of Litchfield, was identified as the woman who contacted the victim online and drove him to the scene. She pleaded guilty in June to a felony count of robbery.
Cunningham was scheduled for sentencing on January 23, though court records do not yet reflect the final sentencing outcome.
Sentencing and Ongoing Investigation
Marsh is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, January 28, where he could face significant prison time due to the firearm specification attached to his conviction.
Authorities have confirmed that a third suspect remains unidentified, and prosecutors intend to file charges if and when that individual is located.
Growing Concern Over Social Media Luring Crimes
Law enforcement officials continue to warn the public about the rising number of crimes involving social media luring, urging residents to exercise caution when meeting individuals they do not personally know.
Prosecutors emphasized that this case highlights the dangers of online interactions turning into real-world violence, especially when criminal coordination is involved.
