Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Fourth Arrest in Amish Home Invasion as Alleged 'Amish Taxi' Scout Is Charged

Detectives allege he used paid driving jobs to identify Amish homes and businesses for theft.

Overview

  • Geauga County sheriff’s detectives arrested Ricky Lee Martin, 43, of Canton in Bainbridge Township on Thursday on a first-degree felony count of complicity to commit aggravated robbery.
  • Investigators say Martin worked as an Amish taxi driver and scouted Amish-owned properties, and they urged anyone who used him and later suffered a theft or burglary to contact detectives at 440-286-1234.
  • Three other suspects — Bradford James Hosler of Canton, William Luke Hatfield of Massillon, and Randall Keither Cromer of Doylestown — were previously arrested in the Oct. 9 attack.
  • Authorities say the group posed as customers, used a stun device, assaulted the business owner and his 8-year-old son, attempted to abduct the boy, and stole about $5,000.
  • Hatfield and Cromer are scheduled for a 10 a.m. hearing Friday in Chardon Municipal Court, and investigators say flock cameras helped track a stolen truck linked to the crime.