Stolen items used as product at Kokomo store, two arrests with more anticipated

Monday, July 28, 2025 at 6:24 PM

By Staff report

Investigators with the Kokomo Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section and Digital Crimes Unit have been investigating organized retail thefts occurring at local department stores. Detectives have been partnering with local loss prevention teams and corporate Organized Retail Crime investigators.

On July 22, Kokomo Police officers and Investigators executed a search warrant at 5 Star Discountz, located at 921 South Main Street, in connection with this investigation. As a result of this investigation, Martin Amir Wilson, 37, and Ryan Keith Bammerlin, 42, were arrested.

Wilson has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 4 Felony, Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun by a Felon, Level 5 Felony, Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony, and Organized Retail Theft, Level 6 Felony.

Bammerlin has been charged with Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony, and Organized Retail Theft with Prior Conviction for Theft, Level 5 Felony.

This investigation is ongoing and future arrests are anticipated.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Drew J. Wallsmith at (765) 456-7388 or via email at dwallsmith@cityofkokomo.org. Information can also be given via the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.

Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the Tip411 app, or you can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, then your tip, and send it to 847411.