Local man arrested on identity theft count

VW independent/submitted information

A rural Van Wert County man was arrested on identity theft charges following execution of a search warrant at his residence.

Tommy Searles, 56, was arrested on one count of identity theft, a felony of the third degree, and will make an initial appearance in Van Wert Municipal Court.

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said deputies executed a search warrant at approximately 12:40 p.m. Thursday at Searles’ residence at 12001 State Route 81 in Liberty Township. The search warrant was the result of an investigation into identity theft and other related crimes. The sheriff said Searles, who is also wanted on drug charges by the Huntington County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office, was arrested minutes after the search warrant was executed.

During the search of the residence for items related to the identity fraud investigation, suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia were discovered. Deputies then obtained a second search warrant to be able to seize those drug-related items and any other drug-related items that may be located.

Items seized for evidentiary purposes included miscellaneous medical paperwork, miscellaneous vehicle titles, miscellaneous deeds, several cell phones, a laptop computer, a .22-caliber rifle, several items of drug paraphernalia, and a small amount of white powder.

Sheriff Riggenbach said Searles was taken to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility where he is being held prior to appearing in Municipal Court.

The sheriff asks anyone with information on suspected identity theft, drug activity, or other crimes contact his office by calling 419.238.3866 or by using the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and clicking on the “Submit a Crime Tip” link.

Anyone reporting information can remain anonymous. Sheriff Riggenbach stated his office will continue to aggressively pursue all drug tips that his office receives.  

County residents can also report information on other crimes by using the above options or by contacting Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP, where they can also remain anonymous.