A federal grand jury in Ohio has indicted six individuals, including Sterling H. Roberts, with crimes related to the August 2017 murder of Robert Caldwell in Dayton, Ohio.
The indictment alleges that Sterling H. Roberts cyberstalked Robert Caldwell via cell phone with the assistance of Tawnney M. Caldwell from August 1 to August 5, 2017. On August 15, 2017, Sterling H. Roberts allegedly used a firearm that he possessed illegally and traveled interstate to stalk and murder Robert Caldwell.
The indictment charges Sterling H. Roberts with death-penalty-eligible crimes, including discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm. Tawnney M. Caldwell is also charged with aiding and abetting the illegal gun possession.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that Tawnney M. Caldwell obstructed justice by destroying the contents and data of a cell phone on August 15, 2017. Tawnney M. Caldwell and Chandra D. Harmon are also charged with conspiring to intimidate and threaten witnesses related to the case in November 2017.
The indictment includes the following charges:
- Stalking – using mail, computer, cell phone: Up to life in prison
- Felon in possession of a firearm: Up to 10 years in prison
- Stalking – traveling interstate: Up to life in prison
- Discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence: Death penalty or up to life in prison
- Tampering with evidence: Up to 20 years in prison
- Tampering with a witness by intimidation: Up to 20 years in prison
Sterling H. Roberts is currently in state custody in South Carolina. The other defendants were arrested on February 28, 2019. A reward of $15,000 is being offered for information leading to the recovery of 14-year-old Jacob Lee Caldwell and the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in his disappearance.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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