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.
Parke County Commissioners take action against data centers
Make water safety a priority
USPS proposes maintenance, repairs during Mailbox Improvement Week
Indiana BMV branches closed for holiday weekend
BioHeartland launches as the new identity for Indiana’s bioscience ecosystem
Vermillion County receives OCRA grant for home rehabilitation program
More rain, wind, storms possible Tuesday
"Improving Outcomes, Together" theme for National EMS Week
Candidates can begin filing for school board elections on Tuesday
Indiana Natural Resources Commission to hold public hearing for bobcat rule changes
Single-lane closures to impact State Road 63 near Cayuga
Duke Energy breaks ground on Cayuga Energy Complex project
Miller, Vincent lead Parke Heritage Class of 2026
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day
Indiana Conservation Officers seek help finding track chairs stolen from Fort Harrison State Park
Clay County man among six drug traffickers, including one illegal alien, sentenced to decades in federal prison
