JONESBORO, Ark. — Prosecutors have dismissed all charges against a Jonesboro suspect who was previously accused of committing a series of armed robberies connected to Facebook Marketplace transactions.
Kaleb Jamaal Valentine, 23, had been facing one count of aggravated robbery, a Class Y felony, and two counts of criminal attempt, both Class A felonies, stemming from three separate incidents reported in late December and early January.
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood confirmed to NEA Report that the case has been dismissed after prosecutors reviewed information determined to be exculpatory.
“As is our duty when we find information that is exculpatory, we will dismiss a case. I’m not in the business of convicting people who might be innocent and it was the right thing to do,” Hagood said. “Our detective did a really good job of following leads and making sure we have the right guy. I’m sure they’re going to continue to do the same in this case and any others in the future.”
Valentine had been arrested following an investigation by the Jonesboro Police Department into three alleged robberies or attempted robberies involving PlayStation 5 listings on Facebook Marketplace. Investigators previously said the incidents shared similarities in communication style, location and suspect description.
Court records show Valentine had been held on a $1 million cash or surety bond set by Judge Barbara Halsey, with conditions including an ankle monitor and a prohibition on possessing firearms. His next court date had been scheduled for Feb. 27.
No additional details were released regarding the specific information that led to the dismissal.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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