4 Indicted For Robberies At Elyria Gas Station, Restaurant

ELYRIA, OH — Four people have been indicted for a pair of armed robberies that happened this spring in Elyria, the Department of Justice announced.

“Anyone who uses a firearm to threaten people who are just trying to earn a living is a danger to our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These cases are another example of federal and local law enforcement working together to make us all safer.”

Joseph Geiger and Michael Ward are accusing of robbing the Marathon gas station at 503 Huron Street on May 5. James Jackson and Demario Horton are accused of robbing the Rally's at 711 Cleveland Street on June 11. The cases are unrelated.

Geiger, 31, from Cleveland, and Ward, 31, from Lorain, have both been charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Ward also faces charges accusing him of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment said Ward had a Valor .325 revolver and three live rounds of ammunition. He had previously been convicted of domestic violence and burglary, the Department of Justice said.

Jackson, 27, from Wickliffe, and Horton, 29, from Cleveland, also face one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Horton is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Horton is accused of having a Glock .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, despite being previously convicted of aggravated robbery.

“Customers were simply utilizing their community businesses when these individuals brought danger in the door,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “The FBI will continue to partner with Elyria PD and our other law enforcement partners to rid the streets of gun toting criminals.”

The FBI and Elyria Police Department worked together to investigate both incidents. The federal and local agencies were brought together through Project Safe Neighborhoods, which brings different levels of law enforcement together to deter violent crime.

“These two cases are perfect examples of how the federal government is helping local municipalities make the cities a safer place to be. The Elyria Police Department and the FBI worked together to solve these crimes and then took the cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the indictments," said Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely.