By Kristin Rover
Sun staff
Two Batavia Township men were indicted by the Clermont County Grand Jury after they were arrested for a series of thefts and breaking and entering incidents in the county.
According to a release from Clermont County Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg, Batavia Township and Pierce Township experienced thefts at storage facilities located at 1958 State Route 125 in Batavia Township and 1833 State Route 125 in Pierce Township.
On April 19, an officer with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Unit stopped someone for a traffic violation near the State Route 125 storage facility.
Deputy Sean Schubert, with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, serves as a police officer for Batavia Township and discussed the incident at the June 3 Batavia Township meeting.
Schubert said there were reports of breaking and entering incidents at a storage facility in Batavia Township, and he said they watched the area closely to see if any more incidents occurred.
“I watched them unload a storage unit into a car,” Schubert said.
Schubert said they proceeded to question the suspects and continue the investigation.
“Information was obtained that led deputies to believe that additional stolen property was being stored at a residence in Batavia Township,” Sheriff Rodenberg said in the release. “A search warrant was executed at an apartment in Bay Berry Crossing and additional stolen property was recovered.”
Schubert said when they arrived at the apartment location, they found everything from guns and antiques to an enormous Lego collection.
“You couldn’t walk through it there was so much property in there,” Schubert said about the apartment.
Schubert said thousands of dollars worth of property was recovered from the storage units, which also included the Pierce Township storage unit.
James Geran, 40, of Amelia, was arrested and indicted on one count of breaking and entering, a fifth degree felony, one count of possession of criminal tools, a fifth degree felony, and one count of theft, a first degree misdemeanor.
Weston Allen, 30, of Amelia, was arrested and indicted on 28 counts of breaking and entering, a fifth degree felony, and three counts of theft of firearms, a third degree felony.
“Investigators are currently reviewing reports and coordinating efforts with surrounding police agencies to identify ownership of the property recovered,” Sheriff Rodenberg said.
Sheriff Rodenberg said due to the large amount of property that was stolen, they have not established a total dollar amount for the stolen property.
He said the property is secured at the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office until it can be returned.
Both Geran and Allen remain at Clermont County Jail.
Geran is scheduled to appear before Judge Richard Ferenc 8:30 a.m. July 5. Allen is scheduled to appear before Judge Richard Ferenc 8:30 a.m. Aug. 6.