19-year-old, two teens charged in large electronics burglary ring in Summit County

AKRON, Ohio - The Summit County Sheriff's Department could have some good news for residents victimized by crooks over the past year.

Dozens of valuable items, mostly electronics, are being stored in an evidence room as detectives try to figure out who the rightful owners are.

The cache of stolen goods is the result of lengthy investigation into a large burglary ring allegedly operated by a group of local teenagers.

Two juveniles and one adult are facing charges and three other teens will likely be charged, according to Inspector Bill Holland.

"The investigation is not over by any means," Holland said.

Ryan Norton, 19, is charged with burglary, theft and breaking and entering. A 17-year-old boy is charged with burglary and another 17-year-old boy is charged with burglary and theft.

All three were arrested on Sept. 4. A law enforcement source said the parents of one of the suspects called police after finding suspected stolen items in their home.

Holland said the teens are responsible for more than 100 crimes in the past year in Green, Coventry Township, New Franklin and Springfield Township.

Holland said the suspects broke into homes, garages and cars and stole iPads, iPods, GPS devices, laptops, gaming systems and cameras.

Last month, Troy Hesketh, 47, became a victim when someone broke into his truck, parked outside of his job, and stole his laptop and radio.

"I was really aggravated because I work hard for the items that I have and just for kids to steal everything you work hard for, it's rampant right now. People are breaking into everything," Hesketh said.

Hesketh, an army veteran, learned his laptop is among the items in the property room, but said he'll probably never get the radio back.

"I'm glad the police have finally caught these kids," Hesketh said.

Holland said the suspects sold many of items at Game Surge, a business on South Main Street in Coventry Township.

A search warrant was executed and several of the stolen items were found inside the business.

Holland said there have not been any charges against workers at Game Surge, but the business remains under investigation.

Detectives have returned some of the stolen items, but many of the electronics remain boxed up and unclaimed.

"When you've got an investigation of this magnitude with over 100 thefts at least, it can branch out not only in southern Summit County, but it can be multi-state," Holland said.

Anyone with serial numbers or other documentation that could prove ownership of the stolen goods is asked to call Detective Joseph Storad at 330-643-8643 or Detective Jason Kline at 330-643-8656.