Summer Crime Spree Suspects Indicted In Ohio

LAKEWOOD, OH — Two men have been indicted for a summer crime spree that hit five Ohio counties and multiple cities, including Lakewood, Solon and Brecksville. The men allegedly robbed homes during daytime hours, stealing jewelry and other items, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley said.

Robert Duarte, 54, and Stephen Blazo, 54, both of Youngstown, have been charged for a string of 15 robberies they allegedly committed from May 24 through July 5, 2018. The men were arrested on July 5 in Macedonia, after they tried to break into a home in Solon, O'Malley's office said.

“This is another successful collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies across five counties,” said O’Malley. “These men are a nuisance to our region and I applaud these agencies for getting them off the streets. Our office will now hold them accountable.”

Duarte and Blazo were stopped by police after officers identified Blazo's truck. The two men were also easy to pick out because of their significant difference in height — Duarte is 6 feet 7 inches, while Blazo is 5 feet 6 inches.

The duo allegedly broke into homes in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Summit and Portgage counties. Duarte has already been charged, pleaded, and sentenced to six years in prison for the four Portage County incidents, O'Malley reported.

The 36-count indictment charges both men with Engaging In a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Burglary, Attempted Burglary, Theft, Grand Theft, Petty Theft, and Possessing Criminal Tools.

Duarte and Blazo's arraignment is scheduled for October 17 at 8:30 a.m.

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