“A Hispanic male was approached by a group of black males with a tree limb, who beat him up and took his money,” Asbell said.

Harrell was positively identified as the suspect with the tree limb and is charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Asbell said victims are being asked to look at other suspects to see if any were involved in the unsolved incidents. Investigations are still ongoing.

All the juveniles — except for a 13-year-old released to parents — are being held at RYDC until their court dates, the investigator said.

The adults have been denied bond by magistrate court and are being held at Grady County Jail, awaiting the chance to go before a superior court judge.

Asbell said the CPD is concerned about this targeting of Hispanic males, who often do not use banks and carry their money on their person. Hispanic immigrants also sometimes hesitate on reporting crimes against them, Asbell said.

“People probably think it is easy money,” he said. “But, the only offense that carries a stiffer sentence in Georgia than armed robbery is murder.”