Former Sugarcreek policeman David M. Strubel charged with theft of drugs, theft in office

Indicted on charges of stealing drugs from the State Highway Patrol

December 29, 2018

NEW PHILADELPHIA A former Sugarcreek policeman and Garaway school resource officer has been indicted on charges of stealing drugs from the State Highway Patrol and/or the village police department.

The Tuscarawas County grand jury also charged David M. Strubel, 33, of Bolivar, with theft in office.

The indictment said the thefts occurred between Aug. 18 and Sept. 27. The narcotics were for training police dogs as well as items from the evidence room.

Police Chief Kevin Kaser said previously the crime was discovered at approximately 11 p.m. Sept. 27, when police saw video showing that earlier in the day, Strubel went into locked areas he was not supposed to enter.

Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Ryan Styer has said Strubel was seen on surveillance video entering the lockbox area of a K-9 vehicle.

An inventory revealed alleged theft in office, which was investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Strubel was suspended without pay Sept. 28 and subsequently fired. He had been hired Aug. 22, 2017.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 10.