COARSEGOLD — A foothills online advertisement allegedly inspired a Fresno man to plan a violent heist in the advertisers’ home.
George Xury Sterio, 55, sits jailed in Fresno County on an unrelated charge. In coming weeks, he will be booked into Madera County jail on suspicion of burglary, robbery, battery and conspiracy, according to sheriff’s spokeswoman Erica Stuart.
After several months investigation, Detective Neil Cuthbert discovered Sterio sought out a Coarsegold couple after reading their ad about a future estate sale on the website Craigslist, Stuart said.
It is alleged that, back in May, Sterio introduced himself to the homeowners as “Paul,” and claimed he was interested in buying their furniture. After exploring their home, he said he would return...