Man accused of posing as utility worker, stealing from elderly woman
8/3/2018A Parma, Ohio, man is accused of posing as a Toledo Edison employee and stealing thousands of dollars and jewelry from an elderly Point Place woman once inside her home.
Archie Marino, 32, is charged with burglary, a second-degree felony, and theft from an elderly adult, a third-degree felony.
On May 1, Mr. Marino allegedly went to the home of an 87-year-old woman in the 5200 block of 302nd Street. Mr. Marino told the woman he was a Toledo Edison employee and needed to inspect an electric meter in the basement, according to Toledo police.
The homeowner let Mr. Marino into her home and walked with him into the basement. While in the basement, Mr. Marino spoke into a walkie-talkie, according to a police report.
Mr. Marino left, and $19,000 and jewelry was later determined to be missing from the residence, according to police.
Mr. Marino is accused of posing as the utility worker to distract the woman while an accomplice gained entry and removed the locking mechanisms to three safes before stealing her valuables, according to an affidavit filed in Toledo Municipal Court.
Mr. Marino was identified through a fingerprint, according to police records. He was arrested Monday and posted $2,500 cash bond following his appearance in municipal court that same day.
Authorities have not charged an accomplice.
A similar case was reported in Rossford about the same date, but no charges have been filed in relation to it and authorities have not said if Mr. Marino is a suspect.
Contact Allison Dunn at areamer@theblade.com, 419-724-6506, or on Twitter @AllisonDBlade.