The Rochester Police Department's push to catch more criminals through social media is getting a lot of "likes," especially in light of its first Facebook-related arrest last week.

Early Thursday morning, officer Adam Brightman teamed up with detectives from New Bedford to arrest 23-year-old Tristian Botelho. Botelho was wanted in connection with a 2012 case where he was alleged to have stolen checks from a Rochester business and cashed them, netting thousands of dollars. Police had filed charges for 12 counts of larceny by check over $250, and three counts of uttering a false check.

Botelho defaulted on the case in September 2013 and an arrest warrant was issued. There were also three other outstanding warrants for Botelho – two for larceny from New Bedford and one from Freetown for possession of a class B drug.

When his face landed on the Rochester Police's "Weekly Wanted" Facebook post, someone took notice and send a message to the department with Botelho’s whereabouts.

Through the “Weekly Wanted” initiative, started in March, the department wants to close outstanding cases using the eyes and ears of the public.

“We found that using technology is certainly going to be beneficial. It’s man hours better spent, and it’s more cost effective," said Police Chief Paul Magee.

Magee tries to average one photo a week, usually uploaded on Thursday. Every “Weekly Wanted” post has the suspect’s name, height, weight and the charges filed against them.

After the tip on Botelho, Rochester and New Bedford Police conducted surveillance on a residence on Chancery Street in New Bedford. Police stopped Botelho after he left the house and got into a car.

Botelho told arresting officers that he had been looking over his shoulder ever since seeing the Facebook post with his picture on it.

After his capture, Botelho was taken to Wareham District Court, said Magee. The chief also informed the business owner from whom the checks were stolen.

“He was thrilled because [Botelho] had been on the run for a while,” Magee said. “It was a good guy to grab.”

In addition to Botelho, Magee said the department has gotten information on several others featured on Facebook. While one is in California and the charges do not warrant bringing him back, Magee expects to make other arrests soon.

“We’re always getting cases going into default. We’ll continue doing it until it’s not effective,” Magee said.

The posts are already popular, with up to 2,000 hits a week. Botelho’s arrest has helped drive traffic the page as well.

“For a small department, it’s really good. We get a lot of forwards and shares,” said Magee. “We’re one of the few around putting the information out there and it paid off.”

To visit the Rochester Police Facebook page and see other wanted persons, go to www.facebook.com/rochestermapd.