4 accused of buying stolen items at Toledo recycler

4/10/2008

Four men identified by Toledo police as scrap-yard employees were arrested yesterday on suspicion of buying stolen items as scrap metal, according to police reports.

Police served a search warrant at 10 a.m. yesterday at R&M Recycling, 4103 Lagrange St. They seized company computers, some marijuana and cocaine, $48,000 cash, and various suspected stolen items that were sold to the business as scrap.

Scrap items included copper pipe and wire, water meters, car parts, and beer kegs, Lt. David Schmidt said, adding that some of the items were identified as the property of Toledo Public Schools and the former Riverside Hospital.

No bond has been set for three of the four men arrested and identified by police as R&M employees: Michael L. Rogers, 38 of Trenton, Mich.; Kevin L. Reeder, 24, of Monroe, and Recoa Hickenbottom, 35, of Toledo, all of whom face felony charges of receiving stolen property. They were being held in the Lucas County jail. Mr. Rogers also faces felony drug abuse charge.

The fourth employee, George Cooke, 37 of Belleville, Mich., was charged with carrying a concealed weapon. He was released from the jail yesterday after posting a $2,500 cash bond.

A man who answered the phone at R&M Recycling would not confirm whether those arrested were employees.

Five customers also were arrested on outstanding warrants.