Illinois Owner-Operator Indicted for $22K in Unpaid Ohio Turnpike Tolls

Key Details An Illinois-based owner-operator faces grand theft charges in Ohio for allegedly evading nearly $22,000 in turnpike tolls over nearly two years. Moath Musamih of Orland Park was indicted April 21 by a Williams County grand jury on a fourth-degree felony charge for theft of services. Authorities electronically tracked his Freightliner via E-ZPass transponder as it repeatedly traveled the Ohio Turnpike without paying tolls. What He Faces A conviction carries penalties of up to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine, and restitution. The case began when an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Musamih at the Tiffin River Service Plaza near Michigan's border after prosecutors authorized the contact. Why It Matters Toll evasion is a serious criminal matter in Ohio. State law prohibits intentional toll avoidance, with violators facing $100 civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Prosecutors pursued criminal charges here due to the substantial unpaid amount combined with the extended timeline of alleged violations. His truck was seized as part of the investigation, which was registered under his wife's name.