Ohio Couple Robbed 16 Businesses In 1 Month: DOJ

CLEVELAND, OH — A pair of serial robbers have been sentenced for hitting banks, restaurants and businesses in Avon, Elyria, Berea, Beachwood and other towns. The couple were found guilty of 16 robberies or attempted robberies over a month-long span in 2017. The Department of Justice said the duo were attempting to "fund their drug habit."

Casey Layne Liberty, 31, of Amherst, and Daniel Begin, 33, of Cleveland, were both sentenced to 71 months of prison and were each ordered to pay $6,598 in restitution. The couple previously pleaded guilty to bank robbery, conspiracy to commit bank robbery and more.

“This pair went on a month-long crime spree in which they robbed banks and stores to feed their drug habit,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “It’s a miracle no one was killed, and we’re gratified this duo will be off the street for years to come.”

During the robberies, Liberty would wear a disguise and then go take money from the banks or stores. Begin would serve as the getaway driver, court documents said.

During their crime-spree Liberty and Begin robbed banks in Conneaut (on Sept. 19), Medina (Sept. 28), Beachwood (Oct. 4) and Fairlawn (on Oct. 12). They also robbed a series of restaurants and small businesses, including:

• a Subway in Findlay on Sept. 26,
• a Seven Eleven in Brunswick on Sept. 28,
• a Gamestop in Elyria on Oct. 7,
• a Domino’s Pizza in Madison on Oct. 10,
• a Mr. Hero in Canton on Oct. 11,
• a Subway in Avon on Oct. 15,
• a Subway in Elyria on Oct. 16,
• a Mr. Hero in Perkins Township on Oct. 19,
• a Domino’s Pizza in North Olmsted on Oct. 22 and
• a Mr. Hero in Berea on Oct. 22.

“This pair posed a danger to people doing their banking or simply picking up lunch,” Stephen Anthony, Cleveland FBI, said. “The fine work of the FBI agents, along with nearly a dozen police departments, has made our community safer.”

The investigation into Liberty and Begin involved police departments from around Ohio, including Conneaut, North Olmsted, Medina, Beachwood, Avon, Elyria, Findlay, Perkins Township, Madison, Berea and North Ridgeville. The FBI helped coordinate and lead inquiries.

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