Local pharmacy burglary tied to multi-state organized spree

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A burglary at George’s Pharmacy in Bright last summer led to a multi-state investigation into pharmacy robberies in rural areas.

Dearborn County deputies say that burglary is linked to at least 72 others that occurred in 12 states, stretching from Ohio to Idaho. 

There were approximately 25 people involved and Dearborn County, West Chester (Ohio) and DEA authorities began tracking the group late last year.

“Investigators gathered critical intelligence regarding the group’s methods, distribution of stolen pharmaceuticals, and operational structure. Investigators identified shipping  methods and intercepted approximately 8 pounds of stolen pharmaceuticals,” said Dearborn County Sheriff Shane McHenry. 

He said several additional burglaries occurred in Indiana and four people were arrested. 

“Subsequent search warrants resulted in the seizure of  substantial evidence, including 11 cellular phones, approximately 21 pounds of  pharmaceuticals, a pill-counting machine, and other materials linked to the criminal operation,” he added. 

Authorities in Ada, Idaho also had an investigation that connected the group to burglaries in the western United States. 

Police recently presented the case to a federal grand jury with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.

It has led to federal indictments and arrest warrants for four individuals associated with the group. 

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and sealed indictments, the names of the suspects are not being released at this time. 

Additional indictments are anticipated, with investigators preparing to present further cases involving additional individuals. 

Dearborn County detectives Rodney Rimstidt and Ken Baker were heavily involved in this investigation. 

“This case represents an extraordinary level of coordination between local, state,  and federal partners. The scale and sophistication of this organization required  a sustained, collaborative effort to disrupt and dismantle,” Baker said.