(LEBANON, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Warren County Prosecutor David P. Fornshell today announced that a Warren County Grand Jury has indicted four individuals in connection with a statewide crime ring that involved sneaking into dozens of the biggest corporations throughout Ohio and stealing credit cards from employees who had left their purse or wallet unattended in their desk or office. The crimes took place at two of the largest employers in Warren County and employers in several other counties.
According to special prosecutors with the Attorney General’s Office, Larry D. Cobb, who formed the criminal enterprise in 2012, sneaked into the buildings and stole credit cards, cash, and other items left unattended. Cobb and his co-conspirators then used the stolen credit cards to quickly buy electronics, gift cards, and other items they could sell for cash.
“The defendants are accused of operating a criminal enterprise that stole from unsuspecting employees throughout Ohio,” Attorney General DeWine said. “More than two dozen different law enforcement agencies investigated these crimes and helped to piece together the bigger picture.”
“Our year-long investigation has revealed that Mr. Cobb and his co-defendants are professional thieves, and brazen ones at that,” said Warren County Prosecutor David P. Fornshell. “They are accused of walking through the doors of some of our most prominent businesses in Warren County and the rest of Ohio and stealing from their employees. It is literally a way of life for these defendants.”
The grand jury indicted Larry D. Cobb, Jodie Petty, Deshawn Mitchell, and Kristina M. Petty. The charges include:
Larry Cobb, 17 counts:
- Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Conspiracy to Engage in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Burglary (nine counts)
- Money Laundering (five counts)
- Misuse of Credit Cards
Jodie Petty, eight counts:
- Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Conspiracy to Engage in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Receiving Stolen Property (five counts)
- Misuse of Credit Cards
Deshawn Mitchell, eight counts:
- Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Conspiracy to Engage in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Money Laundering (five counts)
- Misuse of Credit Cards
Kristina M. Petty, seven counts:
- Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Conspiracy to Engage in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities
- Money Laundering (four counts)
- Misuse of Credit Cards
The case was investigated by more than 25 law enforcement agencies across the state with assistance from the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Attorneys from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office will assist the Warren County Prosecutor’s office with the prosecution and further investigation.
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Documents
Indictments
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840