Two Local Women Indicted For Christmas Day Robberies

Posted on 1/5/2011

Defendant: Linnette Curran And Hope Berry-hook

Today, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announces the indictment of two women, Linnette Curran and Hope Berry-Hook, for separate robberies that occurred on the north side of Columbus on Christmas day.

The Franklin County Grand Jury indicted Curran for two counts (F-2) Robbery and two counts (F-3) Robbery, for a total of four counts. Curran is accused of holdups at two Speedway gas stations, the first one on Kenny Road, followed shortly thereafter at a Speedway near the corner of Bethel and Godown roads.   Curran was arrested at her apartment without further incident. “If found guilty on all charges, Curran faces a maximum sentence exceeding ten years”, stated O’Brien.

The Franklin County Grand Jury also indicted Berry-Hook for two counts Aggravated Robbery with Specification (F-1), two counts Robbery with Specification (F-2), two counts Robbery with Specification (F-3), one count Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer (F-3), one count Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer (F-4), and one count Having Weapon While Under Disability (F-3), for a total of nine counts. Berry-Hook allegedly flagged down two separate motorists approximately ten minutes apart, while holding a gas can, claiming she ran out of gas and needed a ride to a gas station. The indictment further alleges that Berry-Hook brandished a firearm and demanded money from each respective victim. Both victims were able to flee from their vehicles, however, after the second victim exited his car, Berry-Hook fled the scene in his vehicle. Both incidents took place in the area of Morse, Westerville, and Dublin-Granville roads. “It is because of situations like this, that good Samaritans are hesitant to help when they see someone they believe to be in need. If found guilty on all charges, Berry-Hook faces a maximum sentence exceeding twenty years”, O’Brien stated.

Arraignment for both women is set for Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at 1:30 pm in courtroom 1A.