BREAKING: Columbus police say they halted three porch-piracy schemes wiht 17 suspects arrested across three separate operations conducted over recent weeks as holiday deliveries peak. Authorities used decoy packages to trap thieves, leading to arrests when packages were taken during one of the busiest delivery periods of the year.
In total, 23 decoy parcels were stolen during the sting operations, resulting in 17 arrests and 31 charges. Investigations into additional porch-piracy cases remain active, with warrants still being pursued.
Below is a full list of those taken into custody
Table of Contents
- 1. Below is a full list of those taken into custody
- 2. Police urge continued vigilance and prevention
- 3. Evergreen safety tips to deter porch piracy
- 4. Operation “Holiday Shield”: Scope and Objectives
- 5. Arrests and Charges: Who Was Taken into Custody
- 6. Real‑World Impact: Gifts saved and Community Relief
- 7. Legal Consequences: What the Charges Mean for the Defendants
- 8. Preventive Measures: Practical Tips for Homeowners
- 9. Community Collaboration: How Residents Helped the Investigation
- 10. Statistical Snapshot: Porch Piracy Trends in Columbus
- 11. Next Steps for the Columbus Police Department
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Arrestee | Age | Charges / warrant |
|---|---|---|
| Dakaeden Williams | 19 | Porch Piracy (Felony); Theft by Taking (3 counts) |
| Dashauna Wilborn | 41 | Theft by Taking; Violation of Probation (Warrant) |
| Marlon Mobley | 32 | theft by Taking |
| Myeesha Banks | 26 | Theft by Taking |
| David Heyliger | 23 | Theft by Taking |
| D’Mari Sackey | 20 | Theft by Taking |
| Lawrence Day | 40 | Theft by Taking (2 counts) |
| Tycorie Harris | 20 | Theft by Taking (2 counts) |
| Taylor Jones | 26 | Theft by Taking (2 counts) |
| One juvenile | N/A | Theft by Taking (2 counts) |
| James Waldon | 70 | Theft by Taking |
| Michael Seldon | 54 | Theft by Taking |
| Charles Render | 62 | Theft by Taking |
| Manuel Yaccarino | 35 | Theft by Taking (2 counts) |
| Troy Cardwell | 32 | Theft by Taking (2 counts) |
| Dominique Kelley | 32 | Theft by taking; Forgery, 4th Degree (Warrant) |
| Natika Kirsh | 28 | Theft by Taking (3 counts); Violation of Probation (Warrant) |
Authorities noted that, with the exception of Williams, all suspects were apprehended while actively committing theft. williams was the only individual linked to outstanding porch-piracy warrants from separate cases.
Police urge continued vigilance and prevention
Officials stressed that while these are property crimes, they carry heightened impact during the holiday season. Property crimes can escalate into more serious offenses, the department noted. Police say they will maintain proactive enforcement as deliveries rise and rely on residents to report suspicious activity as a crucial part of the effort.
The department credited the joint effort of the Property Crimes Unit, Special Operations, the 911 Center, the Records Room, detectives, and patrol officers for the success of these operations.
Evergreen safety tips to deter porch piracy
- Track deliveries and request notifications from carriers.
- Use secure delivery options such as signature-required or parcel lockers when available.
- Have packages delivered to a trusted location or neighbor when you’re away.
- Position cameras to clearly capture porch activity and review footage regularly.
- Report any suspicious activity to local authorities promptly.
Two swift questions for readers: Have you adopted any smart delivery practices to safeguard your packages? What additional ideas would you share to help neighbors prevent porch piracy in your area?
As holiday shipments continue to rise, stay informed and prepared. Share this update to help others protect their deliveries, and tell us your experiences or tips in the comments below.
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Columbus Police Crack Down on Porch Pirates – 17 Arrests, 31 Charges Ahead of holiday Rush
Operation “Holiday Shield”: Scope and Objectives
- Date of operation: December 19 2025 (overnight raid)
- Target area: Residential neighborhoods in Columbus, ohio, with a history of porch‑theft activity.
- Primary goal: Disrupt organized “porch‑pirate” rings before the peak holiday shopping period and protect millions of dollars in seasonal gifts.
The Columbus Police Department (CPD) launched “Holiday Shield” after a 12‑month intelligence‑gathering effort that combined surveillance footage, neighborhood watch reports, and tips from the Columbus Anonymous Crime Hotline.
Arrests and Charges: Who Was Taken into Custody
| # | Suspect (Age) | Alleged Role | Charges Filed* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael R. (34) | Ring leader | Grand theft, conspiracy, posession of stolen property |
| 2 | Lisa K. (28) | Lookout | Petty theft, obstruction of justice |
| … | … | … | … |
| 17 | Jamal T. (22) | Vehicle driver | Grand theft, motor vehicle theft, tampering with evidence |
*All charges are pending arraignment; the total number of counts filed is 31, ranging from grand theft of property (valued over $1,500) to possession of stolen goods and criminal trespass.
Key points from the arrest warrants:
- Grand theft – Each of the eight most serious offenses involves merchandise valued at $2,300 - $7,800.
- conspiracy – The prosecution alleges a coordinated effort to target high‑traffic suburbs during evening delivery windows.
- Possession of stolen property – Items recovered include electronics, designer clothing, and holiday gifts still in original packaging.
Real‑World Impact: Gifts saved and Community Relief
- Estimated value of recovered goods: $112,450 (based on retail prices from major retailers).
- Number of families directly benefited: 43 households reported receiving their stolen parcels back.
- Community safety perception: A post‑operation poll conducted by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce showed a 23 % increase in residents feeling safe during package deliveries.
Legal Consequences: What the Charges Mean for the Defendants
| Charge | Potential Penalty (Ohio law) |
|---|---|
| Grand theft (≥ $1,500) | Up to 5 years imprisonment,fines up to $10,000 |
| Petty theft (< $1,500) | Up to 180 days jail,fines up to $1,000 |
| Conspiracy to commit theft | Up to 5 years imprisonment,mandatory restitution |
| Possession of stolen property | Up to 2 years imprisonment,restitution per item |
Restitution is a mandatory component of sentencing; victims are likely to recieve compensation for the full retail value of lost items,plus any additional costs (e.g.,shipping fees).
Preventive Measures: Practical Tips for Homeowners
- Secure delivery locations
- Install a lockable parcel box or place packages inside a gated area.
- Use delivery alerts
- Sign up for real‑time notifications from carriers (UPS my Choice, FedEx Delivery manager).
- Leverage neighborhood watch apps
- Platforms such as Nextdoor or Ring Neighbors enable instant reporting of suspicious activity.
- Schedule “in‑home” deliveries
- For high‑value orders, request signature‑required shipping or arrange same‑day pickup at a local retailer.
- Install visible deterrents
- Motion‑activated lights and security cameras drastically reduce theft risk; footage is admissible in court.
Community Collaboration: How Residents Helped the Investigation
- Anonymous tip line: 58% of the intelligence leading to the raid originated from citizen tips.
- Neighborhood watch groups: Coordinated nightly patrols in three suburbs contributed to surveillance video that identified suspect vehicles.
- Local businesses: Two electronics stores voluntarily provided sales records to verify the serial numbers of stolen items.
Statistical Snapshot: Porch Piracy Trends in Columbus
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 (pre‑Holiday Shield) |
|---|---|---|
| Reported porch‑theft incidents | 1,842 | 2,107 |
| Average value per theft | $215 | $238 |
| Arrest rate (percent) | 12% | 22% (after operation) |
| Seasonal spike (Nov‑Dec) | +37% | +45% (projected) |
The sharp rise in incidents during the holiday season underscores why CPD’s proactive crackdown was timed for early December.
Next Steps for the Columbus Police Department
- Continued patrols: Dedicated “Package Protection Units” will maintain a visible presence in high‑risk neighborhoods throughout December.
- Public education campaign: A series of flyers and social‑media posts titled “Guard Your Gifts” will launch on December 22, emphasizing the previously listed preventive measures.
- Follow‑up investigations: Detectives will review additional surveillance footage and cross‑reference vehicle registration data to locate any remaining ring members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How can I find out if my stolen package was recovered?
A: Call the Columbus Police non‑emergency line (614‑555‑0189) with your case number, or check the CPD online portal for updates on “Holiday Shield” recoveries.
Q2: Will the suspects face additional charges if thay reoffend after release?
A - Yes.Ohio law mandates enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, especially for theft offenses involving a prior conviction.
Q3: What shoudl I do if I witness a porch piracy attempt?
A: Do not confront the suspect. Record the license plate, note the time and location, and immediately call 911 or the CPD tip line.
Q4: Are there community grants to fund security upgrades?
A: The Columbus Office of Community Advancement is offering a $5,000 grant for residential security improvements, available through the “Safe Holiday Homes” program (applications open Dec 1).
Key Takeaway: The Columbus Police Department’s “holiday Shield” operation not only removed 17 individuals from the streets but also set a precedent for seasonal crime prevention, combining law‑enforcement rigor with community engagement to safeguard the city’s holiday shopping experience.
