FAIRFIELD CO., Ohio (WCMH)-Two men have been charged for their alleged involvement in the robbery and theft of money from Girl Scouts at a Walmart in Canal Winchester, according to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
On March 6, 2016, at 1:05 p.m. Fairfield County deputies responded to the Walmart located at 6647 Winchester Blvd. on a reported theft of a money box. A suspect had grabbed the money box from one of the Girl Scouts selling cookies and fled on foot.
After receiving numerous tips and interviewing witnesses, detectives were able locate the subjects and file charges on Russell Lee Oehlers, 26, and Jeffrey Wendall Craig, 31.
“Detectives believe Oehlers ran up to the girls and stole the money box while Craig waited in a nearby parking lot. The two fled the scene in a red convertible Ford Mustang,” said Sheriff Dave Phalen.
Detectives have charged Oehlers and Craig with one count of Robbery (F3), one count of Safecracking (F4) and one count of Theft (M1). These charges are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
The Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland released the following statement:
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland wishes to thank the community for their support during this unfortunate event. Our caring community came together to replace the stolen money and we are proud to be part of such a generous and philanthropic community. We also thank the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department for their diligence in this investigation.
As we enter into the final days of the cookie program, we would like to thank everyone for supporting our girls and volunteers this cookie season