Local radio engineer facing felony theft charge, allegedly ripped off Cumulus for more than $129K

NORWOOD, Ohio - Local police say the owners of several Cincinnati-based radio stations were ripped off to the tune of more than $129,000 in broadcasting equipment.

Norwood police arrested 35-year-old Ben Ary of Middletown Thursday afternoon for allegedly stealing the equipment from Cumulus. The crimes date back to May 2011, according to police.

According to the suspect's Facebook page , he was the Chief Engineer for the Cumulus stations locally.  That page also says his employment ended there earlier this week.  That's probably not a coincidence it happened just days before his arrest on a felony theft charge.

Most, if not all of the the Cumulus stations are located at 4805 Montgomery Road in Norwood. They include Warm 98, 96 Rock, The Fox, Journey 94.1 and WGRR.

9 News has learned a  warrant had been issued for Ary's arrest.  He appears to just have been cited by  police, meaning he was not jailed.  That is a bit surprising considering it was a felony charge and a significant value of equipment taken.

Ary is due in court to answer to the charge next week.