16-Year-Old Charged as Adult in Macon Facebook Marketplace Armed Robbery and Gang Investigation
MACON, Ga. — A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged as an adult in connection with an armed robbery and aggravated assault involving a man who arranged to meet someone for a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Macon.
James Robert Young III, 16, was taken into custody Thursday, October 22, 2026, following the execution of arrest and search warrants at a residence in Bibb County, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Young faces charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and a violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism Act.
Victim Beaten With Firearm During Facebook Marketplace Meeting
The robbery occurred October 6, 2026, at approximately 9:06 p.m. in the 200 block of Wayside Drive.
According to investigators, the male victim told deputies he had arranged to meet an individual for a transaction through Facebook Marketplace.
During the meeting, suspects allegedly struck the victim several times with a firearm before robbing him at gunpoint.
The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and the victim’s cellphone.
Detectives with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division subsequently identified Young as a suspect in the armed robbery and aggravated assault investigation.
Teen Arrested Following Search Warrant in Bibb County
At approximately 1:30 p.m. October 22, investigators located Young at a Bibb County residence and took him into custody after executing arrest and search warrants.
Young was transported to the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division for further investigation.
He was then taken to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center, where he was charged as an adult with:
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated assault
- Violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism Act
After being fingerprinted, Young was transferred to the Macon Regional Youth Detention Center.
The Sheriff’s Office described Young’s arrest as an additional arrest in the ongoing investigation.
Investigators Seek Additional Information
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said the armed robbery and aggravated assault investigations remain active, with additional charges possible.
Anyone with information about the October 6 robbery or individuals involved is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.
