Two Macon Men Arrested in String of Facebook Marketplace Armed Robberies, One Victim Shot

MACON, Ga. – Two 19-year-old Macon men have been arrested in connection with a series of armed robberies involving Facebook Marketplace transactions, including one encounter that left a victim with a gunshot wound, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Navon Sams, 19, and Kenneth Tyrell Watkins, 19, were arrested following an investigation into multiple armed robberies and aggravated assaults reported across Bibb County between Sept. 28 and Oct. 12, 2026.

Both suspects are being held at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center without bond.

Investigators said the robberies involved victims who arranged to meet individuals for transactions through Facebook Marketplace but were instead confronted by armed suspects.

Search Warrant Leads to Arrests on Steven Drive

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, shortly after noon, investigators with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Steven Drive.

The operation involved assistance from the sheriff’s office Gang Unit, Special Investigations Unit, C.I.T.E. Unit and the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Deputies detained four individuals inside the residence during the search.

Investigators recovered two firearms, a rifle buttstock, several rounds of rifle and pistol ammunition, and ammunition magazines.

All four individuals were transported to the Criminal Investigation Division for questioning and further investigation.

Authorities subsequently identified Sams and Watkins as suspects in connection with the robbery investigations.

Four Facebook Marketplace Robberies Reported in Two Weeks

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators connected Sams to four reported armed robberies involving Facebook Marketplace transactions.

Sept. 28: Hidden Lakes Apartments

At approximately 9:20 p.m., a man and woman reported being robbed while meeting individuals for a Facebook Marketplace transaction at Hidden Lakes Apartments, located at 180 Hidden Lakes Court.

The victims told deputies that three males confronted them at gunpoint and stole a firearm, credit cards and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Sept. 30: Gray Parc Apartments

At approximately 5 p.m., a male victim reported being robbed at Gray Parc Apartments, located at 2275 Gray Highway.

The victim told investigators he had arranged a Facebook Marketplace transaction when three armed males stole three firearms and his cellphone.

Oct. 10: Wayside Drive

At approximately 9:06 p.m., another male victim reported an armed robbery in the 200 block of Wayside Drive.

According to deputies, the victim was meeting individuals for a Facebook Marketplace transaction when multiple males robbed him at gunpoint, taking an undisclosed amount of cash and his phone before fleeing.

Investigators identified Watkins as an additional suspect in connection with this robbery.

Oct. 12: Eisenhower Parkway

The fourth reported robbery occurred shortly before 9 p.m. in the 5100 block of Eisenhower Parkway.

Investigators responded to a local medical facility after receiving a report of a shooting victim.

The man told deputies he had been meeting individuals for a Facebook Marketplace transaction when three males robbed him at gunpoint and stole his firearm.

During the confrontation, shots were fired, striking the victim.

He was transported to a local medical facility in a private vehicle. Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening.

Suspects Denied Bond as Investigation Continues

Following the search warrant and additional investigative work, deputies arrested Sams and Watkins.

Sams was charged with three counts of armed robbery and aggravated assault, while Watkins was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Although investigators identified Sams as a suspect in four robberies, the sheriff’s office announced three armed robbery charges against him. Authorities did not explain the difference or specify whether additional charges would be filed in connection with the remaining incident.

Both men were denied bond.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and additional charges are possible.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME (1-877-682-7463).