The Laceys are just two of about 14 people that prosecutors say were ripped off by James and Linda Easton.
James N. Easton, 50, and Linda S. Easton, 55, of 1826 Oxford-Reily Road, Oxford, are each charged with theft from an elderly person or disabled adult, grand theft and 11 counts of tampering with evidence.
The Eastons operated an auction business on Hamilton-Cleves Road in Ross Twp., according to Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser. The alleged crimes stem from 2012 when the Eastons allegedly stopped paying some people the commission they were owed for their portion of sales at both live and online auctions.
“One victim took all her worldly possessions to them to sell to fight the diagnosis of cancer. She never got a penny,” Gmoser said.
Gmoser said since news of the indictments was released, more potential victims have come forward and he plans to present more evidence to a grand jury that could result in additional charges against the Eastons.
Butler County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer McElfresh set Aug. 20 as a pre-trial hearing. The Eastons are free on bond.
The Eastons were initially investigated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which licenses auctioneers. During that investigation, they are alleged to have altered records, according to prosecutors.
Defense attorney David Washington, who is representing the Eastons, said, “We are still in the process of gathering information. The have been fully cooperative with authorities.”
Jean Lacey said when she and her husband downsized, they trusted the Eastons to sell some of their antique furniture, china and a clock. Two years later, they have received no money.
She said when she asked James Easton about the money they were owed, there was always an excuse like “someone is sick or I don’t write the checks.”
The Laceys praised the prosecutor’s office for investigating the Eastons and bringing charges against them. They have also met others who say they were deceived by the Eastons.
“We haven’t gotten a dime, and I know everything is gone,” Jean Lacey said.
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