Police: Facebook helps solve crime involving 'best friend'

A photo from the social network site Facebook has helped put a Palmer Township man behind bars in connection with a June 6 theft at a township home. And that photo turned out to be that of the victim's best friend, according to court records.

Justin Daniel Perez of Starlight Drive was being held on $50,000 bail after being arraigned Monday before District Judge Jacqueline Taschner on charges of criminal trespass, burglary and stealing $1,000 in cash and $2,400 in items from a home on Camelot Drive.

Perez was arrrested after a woman who spotted a man in her home was shown a picture of him on Facebook by her brother.

 "It wouldn't happen to be my best friend?" Robert Rizzolino asked his sister Karissa, who stated that the photo showing a well-groomed, short and slim male was the same person in their house.

At 8:30am on June 6, Karissa Rizzolino came across a man leaving her brother's bedroom.

When the man asked Karissa who she was and was told she was related to Robert, he took off, according to court records.

When first questioned by police, Perez said he was in Bethlehem at the time at the Fowler Center taking a GED exam before going to Easton High School to pick up a friend.

After authorities said they would check surveillance cameras, Perez changed his story, court documents indicate.

Palmer police then interviewed a witness who said he saw a car matching one driven by Perez at the home during the time of the theft.

Perez later appeared before police with his parents to turn himself in.

Among the items Perez allegedly stole, court records say, were: $1,000 in cash and $2,400 in items from the home consisting of a man's wristwatch ($500), man's gold box link necklace ($500), a man's rope chain ($500), a lady's silver necklace with heart pendant ($200), a lady's silver necklace with a cross pendant ($200) and a lady's gold flat necklace worth $500.