Shelters in 16 counties were broken into last year for drugs, cash, and loot! "A judge sentenced a Morrow County man to 9 1/2 years in prison for his part in a crime ring that stole cash, electronics, ANIMAL MEDICINE and a puppy from more than a dozen animal shelters last year." "A jury on Friday found James Blankenship, 30, of Mount Gilead, guilty of 12 felony counts, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, breaking and entering and safecracking." "Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley also ordered Blankenship to pay $15,450 in restitution to the shelters and humane societies in Ashland, Champaign, Delaware, Hancock, Hardin, Huron, Knox, Logan, Madison, Marion, Medina, Morrow, Muskingum, Seneca, Union and Wayne." "Prosecutors said that proceeds from the well-planned, early-morning heists fueled drug habits of Blankenship's accomplices. Blankenship, they noted, did not use drugs." "Corby Creech, 38, of Cardington in Morrow County, pleaded guilty to fewer charges in the same case and testified against Blankenship. He is serving a six-year sentence on an unrelated case, then will serve three more years for the shelter break-ins. A third person who was suspected in the ring has not been charged." "Shelters reported broken doors and windows and thousands of dollars in stolen equipment, cash and DRUGS."