Authorities say they have arrested five individuals in connection to a series of robberies organized on a social media dating app. The suspects range in age from 17 to 21.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reports that its Criminal Investigations Division Robbery Unit arrested five suspects identified as being involved in several armed robberies dating back to April 9, 2024.

The suspects allegedly used a fake profile of a female on a social media dating app to lure victims to the area of Amberleaf Place. Once the victims arrived, they were robbed at gunpoint, physically assaulted, and their money was stolen.

CCSO says the profile of the female changed in each case. Detectives carried out search warrants at six residences recovering four handguns and evidence linked them to the robberies. Several suspects were arrested during the search warrants, according to authorities.

A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on his way to St. Charles High School. CCSO says that suspect had a loaded ghost gun with an extended 30-round magazine concealed in their pants. CCSO has identified the suspects as 21-year-old Darius Lerenzo Mearis, 18-year-old Justin Amari Banks, 20-year-old Jerrell Maurice Grey, and two 17-year-olds.

The 17-year-old suspects are charged as adults. All suspects are facing charges of robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, illegal possession of a firearm, and other charges. They are currently held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.