Byron Harrington was on parole when authorities say he committed the first in a string of robberies, using zip ties to restrain each victim.
In March 2021, records say Harrington was paroled from an Ohio prison after serving 14 years for charges including breaking and entering and safecracking.
On Jan. 19 of this year, prosecutors say the 54-year-old robbed a Marathon gas station in Norwood soon after it opened. Prosecutors say Harrington, wearing a mask and holding a gun, ordered the clerk to open the safe.
Court documents say the suspect then forced the clerk into a cooler, forced him to lie face down and zip-tied the clerk’s arms behind his back.
Then on March 4, prosecutors say, Harrington walked into the BP station at 4900 Montgomery Road in Norwood as it was opening. Prosecutors say he struck the clerk repeatedly with a gun and ordered the clerk to open the safe.
The clerk was unable to do that, prosecutors say, so Harrington removed the cash from the registers. He zip-tied the clerk’s hands and legs before dragging him to the back of the store, prosecutors said.
A month later, on April 16, Harrington walked into the McDonald’s at 1695 E. Kemper Road in Sharonville as the restaurant was opening. According to prosecutors, he tried to get access to the safe and restrained the employee with zip ties before fleeing.
Court documents also show Harrington is a suspect in two similar robberies in February, during which the suspect used zip ties on clerks.
This week a Hamilton County grand jury indicted Harrington on 18 counts, including aggravated robbery, kidnapping and felonious assault.
He is facing a maximum sentence of 93 years in prison, Prosecutor Melissa Powers said in a statement.
“Sadly, some people cannot be rehabilitated,” Powers said. “Fourteen years in prison obviously did not teach him a lesson. We will pursue justice to ensure he is in prison for as long as possible.”
Harrington's attorney, Richard Magnus, said Harrington will enter a not guilty plea at an arraignment scheduled for May 12.
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