Joshua T. Huey, 37, of Warren, Ohio, has finally begun serving his three-year prison sentence after being arrested in Austintown on shoplifting-related charges. Huey had been evading arrest since a bench warrant was issued on December 9, 2024, following his conviction last August by Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam.
Huey faces felony charges including theft, vandalism, and possessing criminal tools related to a May 26 incident at an Austintown Home Depot. Authorities say Huey falsely claimed to be a DeWalt Tools sales representative while forcibly opening sealed boxes and stealing batteries and other equipment worth over $4,200. He also used bolt cutters to break a locked gate and tried to leave the store with 23 unpaid items.
Earlier, Huey was convicted in August 2024 for weapons and drug offenses after a traffic stop revealed stolen firearms and fentanyl in his possession, along with impaired driving. Despite repeated warnings from the court to report for his sentence, Huey did not appeal his conviction or surrender, instead filing unsuccessful federal lawsuits.
Judge Washam had suspended Huey’s sentence pending appeal, but after the appeal was never filed, the stay was lifted. Huey’s latest arrest has now put an end to his months of evasion, and he is currently in the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
