Middleburg Heights Police Aid Bust-Up of Narcotics, Stolen Property Ring

MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH - Local police worked with the Ohio Investigative Unit and Cleveland Police last week to execute a search warrant on a Middleburg Heights resident. The resident is believed to be connected to a large scale stolen property and drug ring.

According to the OIU and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, law enforcement agencies have been investigating a Cleveland bar called the Ridge Cafe, 7216 Clark Ave., for allegations that it facilitates the movement of stolen property and narcotics.

Undercover agents were able to purchase heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine from suspects at the bar. During the multi-month investigation, agents were also able to sell $10,000 of allegedly stolen property and multiple food stamp cards to suspects. Property being sold included hot water tanks, roofing shingles, plumbing and building supplies, and liquor.

During the search of a private residence via search warrant, OIU's Greg Croft, agent-in-charge of the investigation, said police were able to recover $12,000 worth of suspected stolen property, two EBT cards and $57,644 in U.S. currency. Croft said agents were hoping to recover narcotics during the search warrant execution, but no narcotics were found.

Croft said that no one will be officially indicted until the case goes before a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury, which will likely happen next month. He also said law enforcement are continuing to gather evidence against multiple suspects. He said that at least six people will be charged as part of the investigation. Up to 10 suspects could be facing charges though, Croft said. Once the indictments are issued, police will be able to provide more information on the suspects.

During the investigation and search warrant execution, police detained suspects but decided not to jail anybody on that day, Croft said.

The investigation into Ridge Cafe started months ago, Croft said. Home Depot and Lowe's loss prevention officers told law enforcement that their stores in Northeast Ohio (going as far south as Canton) were getting hit by a shoplifting ring. Several thousand dollars a week were being lost to the ring, so the two box stores turned over whatever information they had to law enforcement.

The investigation led police to Ridge Cafe, where the stolen property was being moved.

Croft said his agency would be able to provide more information once indictments are handed out.

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