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Two men facing 98 charges, including kidnapping for string of armed robberies in DC and Maryland

According to the attorney's office, the two men forced victims to transfer money to them using apps like Venmo and CashApp.

WASHINGTON — Two men are facing nearly 100 charges after a string of armed robberies in D.C. and Maryland earlier this year. 

According to the United States Attorney’s Office of D.C., 19-year-old Mekhi Truesdale and 19-year-old William Bell face 98 charges, including conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed kidnapping, and fraud. 

The 11 armed robberies were reported between October 17 and November 1. Officials say the two 19-year-olds committed four of the robberies at four different locations in the span of four hours on Halloween and Nov. 1.

A third person, 19-year-old Jada Winder also faces charges for fraud and receiving stolen property.

Officials claim evidence shows Truesdale and Bell robbed at least 20 people using a gun or a knife across Northwest D.C. Three of the victims were allegedly forced into a car before or after they were robbed. 

According to the attorney's office, Truesdale and Bell forced victims to transfer money to them using apps like Venmo and CashApp. On at least two occasions, officials claim Winder was also sent money via the mobile apps. 

Bell was arrested in San Luis Obispo, California. Winder was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals on November 24 in Greenbelt and Truesdale was arrested in D.C. on November 5.

Truesdale and Bell face 95 counts of armed robbery, armed kidnapping, assault with intent to rob, assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, as well as other fraud offenses.

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