— Federal law enforcement authorities announced Wednesday that 11 Durham residents have been indicted in connection with a string of violent robberies that targeted minority-owned businesses whose owners kept large amounts of cash at their homes.

According to U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin and John Strong, FBI special agent in charge, the suspects conspired to rob the victims through force, violence and fear in a crime spree that began Oct. 18, 2015, and continued through Jan. 29, 2016, in Durham, Guilford and Orange counties.

Officials said the suspects targeted several businesses in Durham that included: Tobacco World, T-Nails Salon, Lakhani Jewelers and Biswas Tobacco; and China Fuji and Pink Nails, both in Hillsborough.

"The defendants committed violent robberies across the community which instilled fear in the hearts of innocent people," Strong said. "These indictments send a clear message: We will work closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure those bringing violence to our streets are held accountable."

The suspects, all of whom live in Durham, are each facing several charges, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Federal authorities identified the suspects as: Savian Jacoby Turrentine, 26; Deion Tyrell Liles, 23; Ervin Montez Alston, 26, Jermauciyae Rysuan Abram, 21; Kevin Jamie Jenavous Malone, 24, Terrell Lee Mclamb, 26, Howard Freeman Earl Jr., 24; Markey Antonio Goldston, 29, Barry Dion Holt, 26, Joshua Quinton Jones, 23; Anthony Latario James, 23.

Each defendant convicted of a Hobbs Act robbery or conspiracy charge faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, and up to three years of supervised release. Each defendant convicted of a brandishing a firearm charge faces a minimum sentence of seven years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, and up to seven years of supervised release, according to a written statement.

Authorities said Goldston has also been charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million or both, and up to three years of supervised release not less than 3 years supervised release, authorities said.

The firearm charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release.