2 men indicted in metal theft ring that hit former GM truck plant in Moraine

Credit: MONTGOMERY COUNTY JAIL

Credit: MONTGOMERY COUNTY JAIL

Two men were indicted Christmas Eve in connection to a metal theft ring that police say may involve more than $1 million in ravaged or stolen property across Montgomery County.

FIRST REPORT: Police bust scrap metal theft ring

Justin L. Clever, 33, of Troy and Donald R. Leeth III, 43, of Harrison Twp. are two men believed to be a part of a “criminal organization” that stole copper and electrical components from the former  GM Truck & Bus plant at 3501 Springboro Pike, Moraine police Sgt. Andrew Parish said last month.

At the GM plant, the thieves "have gotten into live circuits, have caused massive surges in power, have interrupted the business of legitimate companies in the city of Moraine with these power outages and it's very dangerous," Parish said.

RELATED: Metal thieves hit former GM, tornado-damaged sites, caused power outages

Clever and Leeth so far are the only two charged. They were indicted for breaking and entering and receiving stolen property between June 1 and June 22. Clever also was indicted for aggravated robbery and escape.

They are due New Year’s Eve for their arraignments in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

About the Author