Police arrest 3 in connection with series of armed robberies

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Mesa police have arrested three people in connection with a series of armed robberies that have occurred in the valley over a week-long span.

The Mesa Police Department tells FOX 10 that Jessica Rotar, Melissa Gregg and Matthew Lybarger have been arrested in connection with armed robberies that began on Nov. 4. Police say in each of the robberies, a female suspect was wearing a mask and held up victims at gunpoint.

Once items were stolen, the suspect would leave the area in a waiting vehicle. After the first robbery on Nov. 4, four more armed robberies were committed over a three-day span.

Detectives located and arrested Rotar, Gregg and Lybarger on Nov. 7 after executing a search warrant.

Rotar has been charged with three counts of armed robbery and one count of attempted armed robbery. Gregg and Lybarger were each charged with one count of armed robbery and attempted armed robbery. Lybarger was also charged with possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Bond for Rotar was set at $200,000 at her initial court appearance Tuesday with bond for Lybarger and Gregg set at $100,000 apiece.

None of the three has a lawyer yet.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.