Authorities: Elgin man used dating app to set up armed robbery

A 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged with using a dating app to rob a man of $50 at gunpoint in Elgin earlier this year, according to authorities and court records.

Dashaun Harvest, of the 900 block of St. Charles Street in Elgin, is charged with armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated robbery with a firearm, both felonies.

According to Elgin police and Kane County prosecutors, Harvest used a dating app to arrange a meeting with the victim about 1 a.m. Jan. 12. When the victim arrived, Harvest pointed a gun at him and demanded money, authorities said.

The victim gave $50 to Harvest and then called police, who identified Harvest as the offender after a monthslong investigation, authorities said.

The victim was not injured and no shots were fired.

Harvest is held at the Kane County jail on $207,500 bail, meaning he must post $20,750 to be released while the case is pending. He is next due in court July 3 and faces 6 to 30 years in prison if convicted of the most severe charge.

Last week, Elgin police warned of four robberies - two on June 14 and one each on June 18 and 19 - that were set up through the "MeetMe" dating app. Police did not immediately respond to inquiries on whether Harvest was a suspect in any of those robberies.