TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) -
Six men from northwest Ohio were indicted on a variety of charges related to their roles in a conspiracy to transport semi-trucks, trailers and cargo stolen in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, according to law enforcement officials.
Steven Dettelbach, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said this was a highly-organized group.
The 17-count indictment names:
-Michael Wymer, 54, of Toledo
-Robert Debolt Jr., 47, of Toledo
-Michael Deutsch, 38, of Toledo
-Shawn Wymer, 27, of Holland
-Gary Wymer, 55, of Rossford
-Terrance Wymer, 28, of Toledo
"These defendants operated a truck and cargo-theft ring, stealing from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, which resulted in multimillion dollar losses," said Stephen Anthony, Special Agent in charge of the FBI's Northern District of Ohio. "This case was a true collaborative effort by all participating agencies, and we are committed to holding accountable those individuals who engage in this organized criminal activity."
The charges relate conduct that took place from August 2012 through February 2013, according to the indictment. The men operated a chop shop located at 642 Sterling St. in Toledo, while Gary Wymer and others operated another chop shop at 2322 Consual St. in Toledo, according to the indictment.
The indictment also said the men would dismantle stolen semi-trucks, trailers and cargo, and then transport the parts between the two chop shops and ultimately destroy or scrap the stolen goods. They also received stolen motor vehicles and parts with the intent to sell or dispose of them.
If convicted, the defendants' sentences will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to the case, including the defendants' prior criminal records, the defendants' roles in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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