It has been successful, with five suspects nabbed for high dollar thefts from Dick’s Sporting Goods. But Sheriff Richard Jones says he is out $5,000 in reward money for a the arrest of a recent suspect and he wants the mall to pay up because security is lacking.
On Aug. 21, two women stole $2,300 worth of Nike clothing from the Dick’s and were caught on video running from the store. One of the women has been identified as 35-year-old Tiara Roberts, of Dayton, and the BCSO put up the hefty reward.
Roberts was arrested six days later and charged with felony theft. On Thursday, the second female suspect, Jhon’Nae Smith, was apprehended during a a traffic stop in Dayton. She too is charged with felony theft in Butler County, but also has warrants out of Montgomery County for obstructing official business and resisting arrest.
Jones said the reward money for information on Roberts’ whereabouts was paid to the informant and he sent a bill to mall management, because, he said, without the cash enticement people would not have provided information.
Jones said if mall security was doing its job stopping the suspects at the time of the crime, the department wouldn’t have to investigate and put up rewards to find suspects.
“They are not running proper security for the mall. We have 150 calls in two months for service to the mall and somebody is going to get killed. Somebody’s gonna bump into them when they’re stealing or speeding away. They (the mall) should provide security to stop and keep suspects. All we do is respond after the criminal act has happened.”
Over the years, Jones said he and management have not agreed about the level of security needed.
“They don’t want a substation in the mall because they are afraid it will send the wrong impression,” Jones said. He said at times, the mall does hire off duty deputies.
Alexis Bolton, Liberty Center Marketing manager, told our news partners WCPO:
“At Liberty Center, the safety and security of our patrons, tenants, and employees is very important to us. We take any concerns regarding safety seriously and continuously evaluate and enhance our security measures in collaboration with local law enforcement and private security experts.
While we do not publicly discuss the specific details of our security protocols, as doing so could compromise their effectiveness, we want to assure the community that we invest significantly in maintaining a safe environment. Our security program includes both private security personnel and off-duty sheriff’s deputies, all at our own expense, underscoring our commitment to the well-being of our guests, retailers, and employees.
We welcome further discussions with Sheriff Jones, the township and other local authorities to collaboratively develop solutions that benefit the entire community going forward.”
In May, two Dayton women were caught on camera laughing as they ran from Dick’s after they allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of Stanley cups and Bogg Bags from a Liberty Twp. store, according to court records.
Taneka Brown and Sinaj Williams, both 20, were taken into custody days later in Trotwood and indicted for felony theft. A third suspect was killed in a crash before he was indicted.
They are free on bond and both cases are still pending in Butler County Common Pleas Court.
Like most other departments, the BCSO has several funds to pay out rewards and informants for information. Some of that money comes from drug case seizures.
A $2,000 reward was offered last week for the arrest of Westin Mosley, 37, who was wanted on multiple theft-related warrants as well as evading officers.
Mosley was taken into custody Thursday in Preble County and charged with two counts of felony fleeing and eluding, receiving stolen property and possession of drugs.
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