9 people indicted for illegal bar scheme throughout Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Investigative Unit and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced a 45-count Criminal Enterprise indictment in connection with a network of illegally operated bars across Cuyahoga County Tuesday.

The investigation uncovered a scheme in which “straw” owners purchased bars illegally as early as 2019, using illegal proceeds to continue to purchase more bars over a period of several years.

According to a press release from OIU, between 2019 and 2024, illegal were established at the following locations: Boozerz and The Bench Lounge in Euclid; Aura-Iconic and Aries Restaurant & Lounge in Garfield Heights; Night Capz and The Score in Cleveland Heights; and Bar Mayfield in South Euclid.

Investigators said that ownership of several of these businesses were later transferred to individuals with significant criminal histories, who would have been prohibited from being documented owners.

The enterprise generated nearly $4 million in illegal profits.

Investigators said that these proceeds were distributed to members of the enterprise and were used to purchase property and fund considerable personal expenses, entertainment, and leisure activities.

While being operated, these premises became significant public nuisances with frequent shootings, gun crimes, assaults, and disturbances, according to the press release. This placed a strain on local law enforcement resources and prompted numerous complaints from residents near these establishments. During the execution of search warrants in October, OIU agents seized cash, business records, and multiple firearms.

Nine people from northeast Ohio were indicted in the enterprise, including:

Randy Pittman (Age 53, of Macedonia)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (6 counts)

– Grand Theft (4 counts)

– Money Laundering (5 counts)

Sharita Roberts (Age 42, of Newburgh Heights)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (12 counts)

– Grand Theft (4 counts)

– Money Laundering (5 counts)

Rayshawn Duncan (Age 35, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (5 counts)

– Grand Theft (3 counts)

– Money Laundering (2 counts)

Donald King Jr. (Age 43, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (2 counts)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

– Having Weapons Under Disability

Daryel Jones (Age 43, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (2 counts)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Dewayne Stewart (Age 37, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Daisha’vu O’Neal (Age 38, of Cleveland)

– Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity

– Conspiracy

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

– Grand Theft (1 count)

– Money Laundering (1 count)

Tremaine Golston (Age 35, of Cleveland)

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

Jazmyn Barrow-Stover (Age 40, of Solon)

– Tampering with Records (1 count)

In addition to the criminal indictment, 76 Administrative Violations were issued against the liquor permits in use at the involved premises. Those citations will ultimately be heard by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission, with possible sanctions including revocation of the liquor permits.

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