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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LORAIN, Ohio (WOIO) – Lorain police say missing mother Desiree Long, 33, has been found safe by the U.S. Marshals in Cleveland.

Long was last seen Oct. 9 and was reported missing Oct. 23.

Lorain police said a U.S. Marshals Task Force found Long Tuesday at an apartment building in Cleveland.

“While there is currently no indication that Ms. Long was the victim of an abduction attempt, the circumstances remain under active investigation,” Lorain Police Cpt. Jacob A. Morris said in a news release.

The 33-year-old woman is now in the Lorain County Jail on unrelated, outstanding warrants, according to police.

The detective leading Long’s case previously told 19 News she was last seen leaving a home and getting into a car near West 29th Street and Oberlin Avenue in Lorain.

It’s unconfirmed if the person behind the wheel was a rideshare driver or someone she knew.

Long’s family offered a $10,000 reward in connection to the case.

The circumstances around Long’s disappearance remain under investigation, according to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lorain police at 440-204-2105.

“The Lorain Police Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to our law enforcement partners, the media, and, most importantly, the community. The invaluable tips, information, and widespread media coverage played a crucial role in locating Ms. Long safely. Your collective efforts highlight the power of collaboration and community engagement in ensuring public safety.”

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