3 arrested in multi-state investigation

PERKINS TWP. — A trio of Ohioans is facing charges after a year-long, multi-state investigation involving law enforcement agencies in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. James D. Armstrong, Jr., 36, of Sandusky, Robert W. Armstrong, 35, of Norwalk, and Makenna I. Armstrong, 29, of Norwalk, are each facing the following charges in Crawford County, Pennsylvania: • Four counts of burglary • Two counts of criminal trespass • Four counts of theft by unlawful taking • Two counts of receiving stolen property • Criminal use of a communication facility Crawford County is in western Pennsylvania and borders Ohio's Ashtabula County. The investigation began in late November 2024 after police in eastern Pennsylvania contacted Ohio authorities regarding a burglary near Philadelphia, according to Perkins police. Investigators developed leads through license plate reader technology, surveillance video and phone records, which ultimately connected several burglaries committed over a five- to eight-day period. Authorities surmised that the trio would drive long distances from Ohio to the site of the thefts, complete the burglaries and then drive back to the Sandusky area, according to Perkins police Detective Joseph Rotuno. The earliest confirmed case occurred in Newton Township, Pennsylvania, where charges were ultimately filed against James and his uncle, Douglas Brandt. As the investigation expanded, additional burglaries were linked in Meadville, Pennsylvania; Knox County, Indiana; and Auglaize County, Ohio. Several other cases remain under investigation. Pennsylvania State Police in Meadville charged James Daniel Armstrong Jr., 36, of Sandusky, along with Robert Armstrong and Makenna Armstrong in connection with burglaries at two Crawford County farm equipment businesses in December 2024. Police said more than $12,000 in cash and a firearm were stolen, and property damage exceeded $1,300. Through cellphone tower data, license plate reader hits, witness statements and surveillance footage, investigators were able to place the suspects at multiple crime scenes. Although no DNA or fingerprint evidence was recovered, police said circumstantial evidence, phone records and recovered stolen property linked the trio to the crimes. One stolen firearm was found inside a safe at Robert Armstrong's apartment in Huron County. James Armstrong Jr. was arrested during the course of the investigation on a parole violation after authorities discovered he was not living at his registered address and was in violation of sex offender registry restrictions. He was later charged while already in custody following indictments in Philadelphia. A search of his vehicle and a trailer in Margaretta Township allegedly produced additional evidence tied to the Pennsylvania burglaries. Perkins police credited the success of the investigation to cooperation among numerous agencies, including the Erie County Sheriff's Office, Norwalk Police Department, Huron County Sheriff's Office, Willard Police Department, Clyde Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and Newton Township Police Department. "This investigation highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation, especially when crimes cross state lines," the department said in a statement. Additional charges in Ohio and Indiana remain possible as investigations continue. The current status of all three was not immediately clear.