CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Police have arrested five men in connection to a catfish ring that ended with multiple victims being robbed in Maryland.
Charles County Police arrested five suspects between the ages of 17 and 21 years old. According to police, the men created a fake profile on a dating app. Once they matched with someone, they would give them directions to meet in an area along Amberleaf Place. When the victims would arrive, the robbers would hold them at gunpoint, beat them up, and steal their money.
The robbers would then change the photo on their profile after each attack. The attacks date back to April 9. On Monday, detectives served search warrants at six different homes. During the search, police recovered four handguns and evidence that linked them back to the robberies.
Several suspects were arrested during the search warrants, except for one. One of the robbers was arrested on his way to school at St. Charles High School. During the arrest, officers located a “ghost gun” with an extended 30-round magazine hidden inside of his pants.
The suspects were identified as:
- Darius Lerenzo Mearis, 21
- Justin Amari Banks, 18
- Jerrell Maurice Grey, 20
- And two 17 year olds.
The identity of the teens have not been released because of their age, however they are both being charged as adults. The five are being charged with robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, illegal possession of a firearm, and other charges. They’re all currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.