Armed Robbery Ring Using Dating App Busted, Five in Custody
In a coordinated operation on April 22, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division Robbery Unit apprehended five individuals linked to a series of armed robberies in Charles County, Maryland. The suspects, aged between 17 and 21, reportedly or…
In a coordinated operation on April 22, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division Robbery Unit apprehended five individuals linked to a series of armed robberies in Charles County, Maryland. The suspects, aged between 17 and 21, reportedly orchestrated the crimes using a fictitious social media dating profile to lure victims.
The arrests followed a detailed investigation into several incidents dating back to April 9, where unsuspecting individuals responding to a social media invitation were directed to Amberleaf Place. Upon arrival, they were confronted and robbed by the suspects at gunpoint. The assailants also physically assaulted the victims and stole their money, with the fictitious profile's image varying in each incident to avoid detection.
Jerrell Maurice Grey, 20, of Waldorf
Justin Amari Banks, 18, of Waldorf;
Darius Lerenzo Mearis, 21, of White Plains
During the operation, law enforcement officials executed search warrants at six different residences, leading to the recovery of four handguns and additional evidence tying the suspects to the robberies. Notably, a significant arrest occurred when a 17-year-old suspect was apprehended while en route to St. Charles High School. During this arrest, authorities discovered a loaded "ghost gun"—a firearm without a serial number—equipped with an extended 30-round magazine concealed within the teenager's clothing.
The individuals arrested have been identified as Darius Lerenzo Mearis, 21, of White Plains; Justin Amari Banks, 18, and Jerrell Maurice Grey, 20, both of Waldorf, along with two 17-year-olds from Waldorf, who are being charged as adults. Charges against them include robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and illegal possession of a firearm.
All suspects are currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact Detective Thayer at 301-609-6484. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS, online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com, or via the P3Intel mobile app.
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