Siblings Arrested For Reynoldsburg Jewelry Store Armed Robbery

COLUMBUS – Darnell J. Harris, 25 and his sister Mariah Harris, 19, both of Canal Winchester, Ohio have been arrested based on charges in a federal indictment alleging that they robbed a Reynoldsburg jewelry store in May 2012.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Robin Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Reynoldsburg Police Chief Jim O’Neill announced the arrests which occurred yesterday.

The indictment charges each defendant with one count of obstructing interstate commerce (Hobbs Act) by robbing Heins Jewelers in Reynoldsburg on May 21, 2012. The crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

“The indictment alleges that they used actual and threatened physical violence in furtherance of the robbery,” U.S. Attorney Stewart said.

The indictment charges Darnell Harris with one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. That crime carries a sentence of seven years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence.

Reynoldsburg and Pickerington police officers arrested Darnell Harris following a traffic stop in Pickerington. Mariah Harris surrendered to the Reynoldsburg Police and was arrested there. Both have initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate today.

“Pursuing offenders who commit firearms violence and disrupt the safety of our communities remains our top priority,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Shoemaker.

“Detective Mike Binder did an outstanding job on this case,” Reynoldsburg Chief O’Neill said. “I appreciate the partnership with Pickerington Police in making the arrest.”

U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the investigation conducted by the ATF and Reynoldsburg Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Bosley is representing the United States in the case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.