Former Springfield RV dealer indicted on 15 charges in Ottawa County

A boat and recreational vehicle dealer who operated a location in Springfield was indicted earlier this month by a grand jury in Ottawa County.

Thomas Owens, 42, of Marblehead, the owner of Tom’s Toys Inc., was indicted on 15 felony counts, including eight counts of prohibited acts involving certificate of title, five counts of theft and two counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle, according to Ottawa County court records.

Owens has been accused of selling vehicles without giving titles between May and September of this year, court records allege.

PRIOR COVERAGE: Springfield auto dealer may expand to vacant shopping center

Owens owns three dealerships in Ohio, including a location at 4815 Urbana Road in Springfield. Other locations are in Lancaster and Port Clinton. The dealership sells and rents RVs, boats, trucks and other off-road vehicles, according to its website.

Clark County Prosecutor Andy Wilson said he’s unaware of any local investigations into Owens and his business in Springfield. Ottawa County Prosecutor James VanEerten couldn’t be reached for comment.

RELATED: Zoning battle forces Clark County business closure

The Springfield dealership appeared closed last week. No vehicles were parked on the lot and the showroom appeared empty. However a phone number was still accepting messages as Tom’s Toys. A call from the Springfield News-Sun wasn’t returned. The Springfield location isn’t listed on the dealership’s website.

In February of 2016, the business — previously located at 925 Upper Valley Pike — applied to the Springfield Board of Zoning Appeals to convert a vacant shopping center across the street into a dealership lot for recreational vehicles.

RELATED: Business back open after zoning dispute

The business was forced to temporarily close in 2014 due to zoning issues at its Springfield Twp. location at the former Par 3 golf course. The dealership later reopened after coming to a compromise with trustees.

5 QUICK CRIME READS

Springfield man faces 24 charges after chase, alleged drug deals

Springfield man allegedly rams car after washing machine dispute

Bystanders rescue 2-year-old from street, grandfather charged

Man threatens Springfield post office: “You think Las Vegas was bad?”

Springfield woman accused of biting police officer, spitting on medic

About the Author