COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nothing works like alliteration when it comes to tagging a suspected crook with a nickname, so calling Abdullah Alrawhana the “Soda Pop Swindler” probably came naturally.
Alrawhana, 33, allegedly stole nearly 100 cases of soft drinks during an eight-day carbonated crime spree, according to Columbus City Attorney Richard Pfeiffer, Jr.
Authorities say the Dublin-area man is the subject of a total of nine arrest warrants: Five from Columbus and two each from Grove City and Dublin.
Pfeiffer says crimes are those of opportunity. He been caught shoplifting things like duffel bags and baby swings and has now turned his attention toward carbonated beverages.
“These types of theft cases may seem trivial when looked at in isolation. However, when considering the aggregate amounts, retail theft has a significant impact on the bottom line for merchants and consumers,” Pfeiffer said.
Alrawahna’s soda spree:
March 4: Allegedly stole 24 12-pack cases of Pepsi from a Dublin-area Giant Eagle.
Three days later: Stole 10 cases of Pepsi, nine of Mountain Dew, three Dr. Pepper, and three Orange Crush from a West Side Family Dollar store. Pfeiffer says Alrawahna duped an employee into allowing him to load the cases into his older model black Honda Civic, before paying and Alrawahna just drove off.
March 10: 18 cases of energy drinks from a Dublin-area Kroger.
March 12: 28 cases of Mountain Dew from a West Side Kroger.
“Unless he has a serious Mountain Dew addiction, Mr. Alrawahna more than likely is stealing these soft drinks to sell under-the-table to convenience stores,” Assistant City Prosecutor Bill Hedrick said.
In addition to several counts of theft, Pfeiffer says Alrawhana’s history includes charges of aggravated robbery, passing bad checks, illegal tobacco distribution, stalking, aggravated menacing, domestic violence, and multiple protection order violations.
Anyone with information on Abdullah Alrawhana is asked to contact Hedrick at 614-645-8874.