Gentlemen: A word of caution regarding the "casual" buying/selling of firearms. FWIW, the Kohler's are friends of both my Dad and myself....Dick was the Administrator of the Sandusky County (Ohio) Sportsmens Club for MANY years. He and his wife didn't deserve this, but it's a mad world out there!
From the Port Clinton (Ohio) News-Herald
FREMONT -- Three men were arrested Wednesday in connection with the
beating and robbery of an elderly couple in rural Gibsonburg earlier this month.
Paul Biddwell, 32, of Fostoria, Jimmy Houston, 33, of Woodville, and Ronald Ruby, 32, of Toledo, are being held in Sandusky County jail on two counts of attempted aggravated murder, two counts of kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and felony theft.
They appeared in court in Woodville where their bonds were set -- Houston on $325,000; Ruby on $175,000; and Biddwell on $425,000.
Sandusky County Sheriff Detective James Consolo said officials have known since July 12 these men were suspects, but they were just building their case.
"We knew that they were our suspects without a doubt," Consolo said. "Ruby and Biddwell have already confessed and have implied Houston was involved. Right now, they're looking at 65 years (in prison)."
Consolo said he expects additional charges to be filed in Sandusky County Common Pleas Court within 10 days.
Detectives had all three men in custody by 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Ruby was arrested first at Bowling Green Municipal Court by Sandusky and Wood counties sheriff deputies, where he appeared in court for a traffic violation.
Biddwell was the second arrested by the Fostoria Police Department at his Fostoria residence. Houston was picked up at his residence in Woodville by the Woodville Police Department.
Consolo said Houston has a prior theft conviction, Biddwell a prior domestic violence conviction and Ruby was recently released from the Lucas County jail.
Consolo said Houston allegedly set up the robbery on July 2 after hearing James Kohler was an avid gun collector. He visited the Kohler's Ohio 600 residence a month before the robbery attempting to sell Kohler a gun using a different alias.
"The other two men involved were acquaintances of Houston," Consolo said.
The early morning of July 2, Houston dropped Biddwell and Ruby at the end of the Kohler's driveway and the two men approached the house, Consolo said.
"They watched (James) Kohler sleep on the couch," Consolo said. "Biddwell kicked in the door and severely beat Kohler. ... Once Kohler was beaten senselessly, Biddwell went upstairs and beat up (Mary) Kohler."
The two were beaten, tied and gagged. Thirty-one guns were stolen from the residence.
Mary, 76, was released from the hospital and back to work days later. However James, 74, suffered more serious injuries because he was still recovering from a stroke in 2008. He was later released.
The family was relieved by the arrests, but their son Matt Kohler, one of the nine Kohler children, said their lives will be forever changed.
"This is going to change the way we go about our daily routine," he said. "But it's not going to change who we are."
He added he is not familiar with the names of the men arrested.
"We are very grateful to the Sandusky County Sheriff's Department and other surrounding law enforcement agencies for their timeless efforts they have put into this case. ... We presume the accused will have their day in court."
The family wants to express their gratitude for all the community's support and "overwhelming kindness."
A reward leading to the arrest of those responsible was being offered, and had reached about $10,000, but Overmyer said the investigation led to the arrest of the three suspects, so no reward will be given. Money will be returned to those who donated to the reward fund, he said.
"A day like this is a great day for law enforcement," Overmyer said. "(The Kohlers) don't have to be worried about them anymore."
