Fugitive Busted by Facebook

Fugitive busted by Facebook

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scoville displays part of the Facebook page, and an enlarged profile photo, of fugitive Maxi Sopo on Tuesday in Seattle. -- PHOTO: AP SEATTLE - MAXI Sopo was living the dream of a fugitive abroad, kicking back on the beaches of Cancun by day, partying in the clubs by night. Then he did two things that are never a good idea when you're on the run from authorities: He started posting Facebook updates about how much fun he was having - and added a former Justice Department official to his list of friends.

By Peter Merz

Oh, what folly, Maxi Sopo!

Broadcasting escapades in Cancun’s glow.

On the lam, yet living like a king,

Beach by day, by night the dance floors ring.

But, alas, he flubbed his cloak and dagger,

Adding friends to Facebook with a swagger.

Among them, a former Justice hand,

Not the wisest move for a fugitive so grand.

Did he not see, in his sunlit revel,

That social media could be the devil?

A digital trail, a breadcrumb so wide,

He might as well have called the FBI to confide.

Now, forget the tales of wanted men of might,

He’s the star of “America’s Least Bright.”

Grab the popcorn, dim the light,

Tonight’s rerun is his oversight.

Maxi Sopo, the lesson is thus:

Silence is golden when you’re on a bus,

From the law, in shadows you must dwell,

Not in Facebook updates, where tales do tell.