HOLTER
A pair of Columbus men is facing felony charges locally for their role in what Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips is calling an organized theft ring.
Christopher J. Zoeller, 37, and Martin Holter, 46, have been indicted by the Union County Grand Jury.
“I know there are also other jurisdictions looking into these men as well,” Phillips said. “This was a pattern of alleged organized retail theft.”
Holter is charged with two counts of theft, and one count each of receiving stolen property and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. If convicted on all counts, Holter could face as many as 11 years in prison.
Zoeller is charged with two counts of theft and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. If convicted on all counts, Zoeller could face as many as 10 years in prison.
According to court documents, on Nov.15, police were called to the Marysville Lowe’s Home Improvement store on a report of a theft.
Investigators spoke with a loss prevention officer who explained there were two separate theft cases involving the same suspect.
The woman said on Oct. 31, the suspect, later identified as Zoeller, came into the store and took a variety of power tools.
She said that less than two weeks later, Nov. 11, Zoeller again came into Lowe’s and again stole cordless power tools.
Phillips said Holter would drive to the stores and Zoeller would get out of the car at the contractor entrance. Holter would park in the lot near that door. Phillips said Zoeller would allegedly go into the store, steal the item, “then simply walk out and get into the car and drive away.”
Phillips said the tools were likely “sold to pawn shops or directly to companies and workers that need them.”
According to court documents, the tools stolen locally from Lowe’s totaled $1,284.
Court documents allege Zoeller and Holter would commit similar thefts at other retailers, including the Home Depot in Marysville.
“Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that the Columbus Police Department has an active case on Mr. Zoeller and Mr. Holter. In the Columbus Police active case, Mr. Zoeller and Mr. Holter is responsible for $16,718.13 worth of stolen items from Lowe’s,” according to court documents. “Marysville Police was also informed that Mr. Zoeller and Mr. Holter is also responsible for several thefts from Home Depot that also has a high dollar amount.”
Phillips said loss prevention officers are working with law enforcement officials. He said eventually store employees get to know the thieves.
If convicted on all charges, Zoeller could face as many as 10 years in prison and Holter could face as many as 11 years in prison.
Also indicted was:
– Noah Drake McAninch, 25, of Turnstone Road, Columbus. McAninch is charged with one count each of illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto grounds of a specified governmental facility and possession of LSD.
Phillips said McAninch was arrested by Worthington Police on Aug. 2. He was brought to Union County and taken to Tri-County Regional Jail. As McAninch was going through the intake process, officials found he had LSD with him.
If convicted on all counts, McAninch could face as many as six years in prison.
– Matthew Curtis Phipps, 29, 514 E. College Ave., Westerville. Phipps is charged with one count of possession of drugs, stemming from an Oct. 25 incident. If convicted, Phipps could face as many as 12 months in prison.