July 1, 2023 - Merced – Merced Police Department officials report that on April 30, 2023, Merced Police Officers arrested a man and a woman after they 
were identified as suspects in three armed robberies from check cashing locations in Merced.
On June 26, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. Merced PD officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at a check cashing business in the 1200 block of Olive Ave. Surveillance video and witness statements identified the suspect as a white male wearing a wig and women’s clothing. The suspect was identified as having a black handgun and he was able to take over $1,000 during the robbery.
On June 29, 2023, at 12:20 P.M. Merced PD officers were dispatched to another report of an armed robbery from a check cashing store in the 500 block of West 18th Street. The suspect in this robbery was identified as dressing in women’s clothing, similar to the first robbery. The suspect was unable to obtain anything during this robbery attempt.
On June 30, 2023, at 11:45 A.M. Merced PD officers were sent to a third armed robbery at a check cashing place in the 1900 block of E. Yosemite Parkway. The suspect in this case was identified with a similar description of being a white male dressed up as a woman who had a black handgun. The suspect left the business as he was unable to obtain anything during this attempted robbery.
Investigators were able to track down video surveillance in the area which led them to a vehicle that the suspect got into. Officers sent out information regarding the suspect vehicle. A short time later the suspect vehicle was located near 18th Street and K Street. The investigation identified the suspects as Barbara Bryant (63) and James Hogan (33).
Investigators were able to identify that Hogan was hiding in an apartment in the unit block of West 18th Street. A search warrant was served at this home and officers located Hogan along with the female clothing and the wig he was wearing during these robberies. The black handgun was found and was identified as being a replica.
Hogan was booked into Merced County Jail for several armed robberies and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bryant was also booked into Merced County jail for robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Merced PD Case Number: 23-33666
Merced PD Case Number: 23-32954
Merced PD Case Number: 23-33467
Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Prevostini at 209-388-7728 or by email at Prevostini@CityofMerced.org.
Other ways to contact us or report crime include:
For any emergency call or text 911
For non-emergency call 209-385-6912
Anonymous Tip Line (Non-emergency) call 209-385-4725
Anonymous Tips online at http://www.MercedAreaCrimeStoppers.org/index.html.
Some crimes can be reported online through the Merced PD website https://www.CityofMerced.org/departments/police.
Source & photos: Merced Police Department
