Man And Woman Indicted For Thefts During Central Ohio Realtor Open Houses

Posted on 11/14/2011

Defendant: Michael Shipley and Crystal Galloway

Today, Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced that the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Michael L. Shipley, age 53 and Crystal D. Galloway, age 37, for six counts (F-2) Burglary, two counts (F-4) Theft, and two counts (F-5) Theft, for a total of 10 counts each. During one week, between August 21-28, 2011, numerous thefts occurred while realtors in the central Ohio area were hosting open houses. The open house dates and streets are listed below:

• 8/21/11 Dinon Drive in Columbus 43221
• 8/21/11 Kathryns Way in Hilliard 43026
• 8/28/11 Strathaven Court North in Worthington 43085
• 8/28/11 Wyandotte Woods Drive in Dublin 43017
• 8/28/11 Man-O-War Court in Columbus 43211
• 8/28/11 Kendall Ridge Blvd in Dublin 43017

Common denominators connecting the various crimes were the description of the alleged defendants, as well as their method of operation once inside the homes. “This was a well orchestrated scheme where realtors were distracted by one person, while the other ransacked other parts of the home for valuables”, O’Brien stated. Total loss from all the locations is in excess of $12,000.00. O’Brien further stated, “if convicted on these charges, the defendants each face in excess of 50 years incarceration”. Arraignment for Shipley is today, (Galloway on Wednesday), at 1:30 pm in courtroom 2B at 345 S. High Street.