Cocoa Police Detectives Bust Two Teens Accused of Multiple Armed Robberies Linked to Facebook Marketplace

Detectives say victims were lured to Barbara Jenkins Street under the pretense of buying iPhones

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA — Cocoa Police Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Unit arrested two individuals in connection with a series of robbery incidents that occurred over several days at 439 Barbara Jenkins Street.

Kenneth Copeland, 16, and Frank Roberts, 18, each face multiple felony charges, including robbery, robbery with a weapon, grand theft, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to police, the investigation identified a pattern of robberies that began on January 24, followed by two additional incidents on January 26.

All incidents occurred at the same location, as Detective Hartzell identified Copeland as a person of interest early in the investigation, along with another individual later identified as Frank Roberts.

Detectives determined the suspects used Facebook Marketplace to communicate with victims under the pretense of purchasing an iPhone.

Victims were lured to the Barbara Jenkins Street address, where they were robbed of their phones.

Further investigation revealed video evidence capturing the suspects committing a fourth robbery, during which the victim was threatened. Detectives worked with multiple victims, one of whom identified a suspect in a photo lineup.

Less than 24 hours later, detectives—assisted by agents with the Special Investigations Unit, patrol officers, and on-duty K-9 officers—successfully apprehended both suspects.

At the time of their arrest, both were found in possession of stolen property linked to two of the robberies.

“Our detectives worked as a team, using every available resource, to ensure these suspects were safely taken into custody and to prevent further incidents,” said Lt. Bryan Stillwell of the Criminal Investigations Division.

“The collaboration between our Investigations Division and Patrol highlights the professionalism and effectiveness of our agency in solving crimes and removing violent offenders from our neighborhoods.”

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