LEBANON, Ohio – Four people have been indicted for their roles in what authorities have dubbed an “office creeper” ring that involved sneaking into businesses during work hours and stealing credit cards and cash from employees’ unattended belongings.
The indictment issued Monday in Warren County alleges ringleader Larry Cobb, of Leavittsburg, dressed in business attire and entered offices around the state, typically during lunchtime and took credit cards from wallets and purses left in desk drawers, then passed them along to accomplices to buy gift cards, electronics and other items that they would sell for money.
According to special prosecutors with the Attorney General’s Office, Cobb formed the criminal enterprise in 2012 and included Jodie Petty, Deshawn Mitchell, and Kristina Petty.
Cobb is facing 17 counts, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities, conspiracy, nine counts of burglary, five counts of money laundering and misuse of credit cards.
Jodie Petty has been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities, conspiracy, five counts of receiving stolen property and misuse of credit cards.
Mitchell has also been charged with corruption, conspiracy, five counts of money laundering and misuse of credit cards.
Kristina Petty is facing seven counts, including corruption, conspiracy four counts of money laundering and misuse of credit cards.
The case was investigated by more than 25 law enforcement agencies across the state, according to the office of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.