Four Franklin County people accused of robbing three men at gunpoint inside the men’s home have been indicted on robbery charges, officials said Monday.

Court officials said the indictments, released Monday, were issued during the January session of the Franklin County grand jury.

Indicted for first-degree robbery were Derell Jamar Bates, 22, 103 Mines St., Russellville; Sarah Elizabeth Mayfield, 24, 2460 Franklin 60, Russellville; Terrance O’Brian Newell, 23, 111 Filmore St., Russellville; and Tosha Shante Saint, 17, 2604 Franklin 60, Russellville.

Saint is being charged as an adult because the charge is a Class A felony, court officials said.

Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said the robbery took place early in the morning of Oct 9. at a residence in Town and Country Trailer Park on U.S. 24 outside Russellville.

Investigators said Mayfield and Saint gained entrance to residence by pretending to be prostitutes. Reports indicted Bates and Newell forced their way in behind the women.

Investigators said Newell had a shotgun, while Bates and Mayfield had pistols.

The three men at the residence told investigators one of the robbers shot into the ceiling. Bates is accused of firing that shot, investigators said.

“I guess that was to threaten or scare the victims,” Oliver said.

Authorities said the robbers put guns to the men’s heads and threatened them if they didn’t comply with their demands.

Investigators said cash and cellphones were taken from the residents.

“Thankfully, neither of the victims were injured,” Oliver said.

The sheriff said the residents gave authorities a description of the robbers’ car. Within 45 minutes of the robbery, a Russellville police officer stopped the car on U.S. 43 with the two women inside.

Oliver said after they were taken into custody, investigators determined the identity of the two men.

Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said the suspects are expected to be arraigned March 29 and their cases could be placed on the circuit court trial docket for June or August.

First-degree robbery is punishable by 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.