Nine individuals charged for running illegal bars in Ohio

OHIO — Nine individuals from Northeast Ohio have been indicted in connection with a criminal enterprise involving a network of illegally operated bars that allegedly generated over $4 million in unreported cash.

The 45-count indictment, announced by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, follows an extensive investigation by the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU).

According to a press release from the OIU, the scheme dates back to 2019, when “straw” owners began purchasing bars illegally. Between 2019 and 2024, several establishments were linked to the operation, including:

• Boozerz and The Bench Lounge in Euclid
• Bar Mayfield in South Euclid
• Aura-Iconic and Aries Restaurant & Lounge in Garfield Heights
• Night Capz and The Score in Cleveland Heights

Prosecutors allege that ownership of many of these bars was transferred to individuals with significant criminal histories, disqualifying them from being documented owners.

The bars became public nuisances, often associated with violent crimes, including shootings, assaults, and disturbances.

The enterprise reportedly operated the bars as hubs for illegal activities, generating nearly $4 million in unreported proceeds.

Investigators seized cash, business records, and multiple firearms during search warrants executed in October.

Indicted Individuals

The nine individuals facing charges include:

• Randy Pittman, 53, of Macedonia: Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Tampering with Records (6 counts), Grand Theft (4 counts), and Money Laundering (5 counts).
• Sharita Roberts, 42, of Newburgh Heights: Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Tampering with Records (12 counts), Grand Theft (4 counts), and Money Laundering (5 counts).
• Rayshawn Duncan, 35, of Cleveland: Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Tampering with Records (5 counts), Grand Theft (3 counts), and Money Laundering (2 counts).
• Donald King Jr., 43, of Cleveland: Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Tampering with Records (2 counts), Grand Theft (1 count), Money Laundering (1 count), and Having Weapons Under Disability.
• Daryel Jones, 43, of Cleveland: Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Tampering with Records (2 counts), Grand Theft (1 count), and Money Laundering (1 count).
• Dewayne Stewart, 37, of Cleveland: Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Tampering with Records (1 count), Grand Theft (1 count), and Money Laundering (1 count).
• Daisha’vu O’Neal, 38, of Cleveland: Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, Conspiracy, Tampering with Records (1 count), Grand Theft (1 count), and Money Laundering (1 count).
• Tremaine Golston, 35, of Cleveland: Tampering with Records (1 count).
• Jazmyn Barrow-Stover, 40, of Solon: Tampering with Records (1 count).

Law Enforcement Statement

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen this pattern before,” said Greg Croft, OIU Cleveland Agent-in-Charge. “Individuals with no regard for the law or the communities they impact. This investigation is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between the OIU, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, and local law enforcement.”

In addition to the criminal charges, authorities issued 76 administrative violations against the liquor permits associated with the bars involved in the case.