Buckeye Reporter

A Marion real estate developer was indicted on 15 felony counts related to business dealings, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.

Paul Rowlen, 38, of Marion, was indicted in Marion County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday for allegedly forging deeds and stealing the identities of older adults, some deceased. Rowlen faces 15 felony charges, including:

- 1 count engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (F1)

- 6 counts of forgery (F3 and F4)

- 6 counts of identity fraud (F2 and F3)

- 2 counts of theft (F2 and F4)

In certain counts, the felony is elevated if the crime was committed against a victim of a protected class, such as older adults. The indictment alleges that Rowlen, as owner of RDM Management LLC., forged documents to take possession of residential property without the victim’s knowledge and then rehabbed the homes for sale.

The case was investigated by the Marion Police Department. Attorneys from Yost’s Special Prosecution Section are prosecuting the case. The section is part of the attorney general’s Elder Justice Unit, which also includes teams focused on crime victim services, consumer protection, and health care fraud, as well as the AG’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Together, they work to educate Ohioans about the warning signs and risks of financial exploitation.

Indictments merely contain allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Steve Irwin: 614-728-5417