URBANA — Less than two weeks after he was paroled from prison, an Urbana man has been identified as participating in three weekend muggings in which four people were robbed.

Raul M. Ybarra, 19, who listed an address in the 2100 block of Burlison Drive, was charged Tuesday with three counts of aggravated robbery in connection with holdups that allegedly occurred Friday night, early Sunday morning and later Sunday night.

Assistant State’s Attorney Jacob Croegaert laid out the facts for Judge Brett Olmstead, who set bond for Ybarra at $100,000, and told him to be back in court March 18 for a probable cause hearing.

According to Croegaert:

— About 8:50 p.m. Friday, two women reported being robbed at gunpoint in a parking lot near First and Green Streets. The women told Champaign police they had just gotten out of their car when they were approached by two women — who have been identified but not criminally charged — one of whom produced a gun and took a wallet from one woman. While that was happening, a man, later identified as Ybarra, approached the two female robbers.

The victims ran, supplying descriptions for police that later led to one of the female robbers, who implicated Ybarra.

And, a few hours later, needing more money…

— About 12:15 a.m. Sunday, a Champaign man reported he was robbed as he walked through a parking garage at 105 E. Green Street. He said a man, later identified as Ybarra, stepped into his path, produced a handgun and said, “I don’t want to have to do anything.” The robber took the victim’s wallet and cellphone. One of the women that had been involved in the Friday night robbery was with the male robber, Champaign police said.

— About 9:15 p.m. Sunday, a Champaign cab driver told police she had just been robbed in her cab near Louisiana Avenue and Bloomington Road after picking up a man, later identified as Ybarra, and the woman who was reportedly involved in the other two weekend holdups.

The cab driver said Ybarra allegedly pulled a gun and demanded her money and when she hesitated, hit her in the head with the gun. Her wallet and money were taken.

Because working for a living is for suckas, fools and chumps.

Police later found clothing matching the clothing worn by the cab customers, and a BB gun, in a back yard in the 400 block of West Bradley Avenue, in the path of flight that the cab driver said the robbers took.

Just a coincidence, of course!

The state’s attorney’s office elected to charge only Ybarra on Tuesday. The women who were allegedly with him talked to Champaign police, who continue to investigate.

Thanks, Julia.  You’re a real peach helping to keep us safe.

Croegaert said Ybarra has prior convictions for unlawful use of credit card, telephone harassment and public indecency as an adult. He had three adjudications as a juvenile for burglary.

Department of Corrections records said Ybarra was released from prison on parole Feb. 17 for the unlawful use of credit card conviction out of Champaign County.

Assistant Public Defender Tony Fiorentino, arguing for a lower bond, told Olmstead that Ybarra was living with his grandparents and had been recently diagnosed with mental health problems, including schizophrenia.

He would have been suffering from an acute administration of lead poisoning if he had tried this routine with a concealed carry licensee.