DELAWARE – July 24, 2015 – A Delaware Delaware County Prosecutor’s OfficeCounty Grand Jury has returned a 14-count indictment against 30-year-old James Blankenship of Mount Gilead and 37-year-old Corby Creech of Cardington.
Charges come after multiple reports of break-ins to humane societies, animal shelters, pounds, and a car wash around the state of Ohio.
“In total, 17 counties reported break-ins to law enforcement throughout January and February of 2015,” said Delaware County Prosecutor Carol O’Brien. “Stolen items included thousands of dollars in cash, gift cards, animal medicine, and a puppy from the Hardin County Dog Shelter.”
Blankenship and Creech are each charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity – a second-degree felony, 10 counts of breaking and entering – all fifth-degree felonies, and three counts of safe cracking – all fourth-degree felonies.
Counties included in the indictment are Ashland, Champaign, Delaware, Hancock, Hardin, Huron, Knox, Logan, Madison, Marion, Medina, Morrow, Muskingum, Seneca, Union, Washington, and Wayne.
“No animals were hurt during the break-ins,” O’Brien said. “I’m happy to add that the stolen puppy from Hardin County was recovered safely and adopted by a member of law enforcement.”
Arraignment dates for Blankenship and Creech have not yet been set.
