Wednesday, October 8, 2014
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
The first of 12 people who police said were members of a theft ring that operated out of Youngstown but committed their crimes in several Northeast Ohio counties was sentenced in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Louis Justice, 25, of Northgate Avenue, was given a four-year sentence Tuesday by Judge Maureen Sweeney after he pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, 10 counts of theft, and receiving stolen property. The sentence was agreed upon by defense attorney Brian Tareshawty and prosecutors.
Justice was part of a ring of 12 people accused of stealing classic cars and lawn equipment from several Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Portage.
One of the victims, Robert McLellan, was in court and told Judge Sweeney he lost his vintage 1967 Chevrolet Nova sports car, a golf cart and other items and asked for restitution. He estimated the value of the property taken from him was $20,000.
Michael Yacovone, an assistant county prosecutor, said Justice participated in at least five different break-ins and prison time was necessary. He did say the four-year sentence was appropriate because Justice cooperated and took responsibility for his actions.
Tareshawty said his client does not know where McLellan’s car is, but he noted Justice cooperated with investigators.
Just before he was sentenced, Justice told Judge Sweeney he was surprised he got caught up in the ring as much as he did.
“Four years is a long time,” Justice said. “I never thought it would be like this.”
The investigation was coordinated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Cleveland because of the number of vehicles and other equipment taken across a large area.
A complaint filed against the ring members also says all the planning for the thefts took place in Youngstown, and the goods were taken back to the city.
Charges range from engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, theft, breaking and entering and receiving stolen property. A county grand jury indicted the ring members in April.
The indictment says the items were taken between February and April 2013. The indictment also says the stolen items were taken to a West LaClede Avenue home that was occupied by Justice.
Investigators used surveillance and, on at least one occasion, a GPS tracking device was used during one of the break-ins after investigators were able to get a warrant.