Five Charged in Rite Aid Robbery Appear in Court for Bond Hearing

• July 29, 2023

ASHLAND, OH – Five individuals have been charged in connection with a robbery at a Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ashland, Ohio. The defendants, identified as Sir Christion Rogers, Kerry Stephens, Robert Prater, Taquan Thompson, and Jamez Phipps, appeared in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas for a bond hearing on July 28, 2024.

 

 

The Charges

All five defendants are charged with complicity in the commission of an offense, specifically aiding and abetting in the robbery of the Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 24, 2024, and involve second-degree felony robbery under the Ohio Revised Code.

The Robbery Incident

According to Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Tunnell, the defendants traveled from the Montgomery County, Dayton area to Ashland. Upon arrival, three of the defendants entered the pharmacy wearing masks and forced their way into the secured area behind the pharmacy counter. An employee was pushed to the ground, and the pharmacist was coerced into opening the safe. The robbers then emptied the safe, taking a significant amount of medication and pills before fleeing the scene.

The Pursuit

The defendants fled in a getaway vehicle, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase involving multiple counties and agencies. The pursuit ended in the Columbus area when the vehicle ran out of gas. All five suspects were apprehended and taken into custody.

Bond Hearing

During the bond hearing, Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell presented the court with detailed accounts of the defendants’ alleged involvement and criminal histories. He highlighted the seriousness of the charges and the potential for additional felony charges pending grand jury review.

Defendant Profiles and Bond Conditions:

 

Sir Christion Rogers (Huber Heights, OH):

  •    Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.
  •    Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell noted prior arrests for breaking and entering, receiving stolen property, felony theft, and burglary.
  •    Bond set at $250,000, with conditions including no contact with Rite Aid stores and GPS monitoring.

 

 

Kerry Stephens (Trotwood, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Tunnell detailed prior offenses, including juvenile and adult convictions for theft and carrying concealed weapons.

  • Bond set at $250,000, with similar conditions to Rogers.

 

Robert Prater (Dayton, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Prior juvenile and adult convictions for robbery, possession of cocaine, and weapons offenses were presented.

  • Bond set at $500,000, with no contact with Rite Aid stores and GPS monitoring.

 

Taquan Thompson (Dayton, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell mentioned a lengthy criminal record, including juvenile robbery and adult convictions for petty theft, attempted burglary, and rape.

  • Bond set at $500,000, with stringent conditions, including GPS monitoring.

Jamez Phipps: (Dayton, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Phipps’ criminal history includes multiple convictions for burglary, breaking and entering, and receiving stolen property.

  • Bond set at $500,000, with standard conditions, GPS monitoring, and no contact with Rite Aid stores.

 

Larger Conspiracy

Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell indicated that the defendants are believed to be part of a larger criminal organization targeting Rite Aid pharmacies in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania authorities have been involved in the investigation, collecting evidence and coordinating with local law enforcement.
 

Conclusion

The court has imposed substantial bonds and strict conditions on all defendants, reflecting the serious nature of the charges and the ongoing investigation into the broader criminal network. Further charges are expected as the case proceeds to the grand jury.
 
 

ASHLAND WEATHER