Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 7, 2026
Serial Retail Thief Wanted After Repeated Release on Franklin County Cash-Free Bond
ZANESVILLE – A Columbus man has been charged with committing burglary and felony theft in Muskingum County while released on multiple recognizance (cash-free) bonds in Franklin County. Brian Murdock is currently facing five separate felony cases involving retail theft in Columbus yet was released by Franklin County Judge Mark Serrott.
A review of records from Franklin County shows that Brian Murdock was indicted in Franklin County for felony theft offenses in April. He was again indicted in June for additional felony offenses. In June he was arrested for the April crimes and released. After his release, he was indicted in four new felony cases. Franklin County Judge Mark Serrott again released him on a cash-free bond into the community; enabling him to continue to commit crimes in his own, and others’ communities.
At the end of July, Murdock is again wanted for stealing property from the persons and businesses of Ohio but made a serious error in judgment by committing one of those crimes in Muskingum County.
Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch noted “Retail theft doesn’t just harm the businesses, costs associated with retail theft are eventually going to be paid by customers. “
Zanesville Police Detective Jason Keck’s prompt investigation yielded charges for burglary, a felony of the second-degree involving theft from a retail establishment after being trespassed. That crime included a specification that Murdock is a repeat violent offender. Murdock was also charged with felony theft and possession of criminal tools for using his girlfriend’s motor vehicle.
Murdock is now a wanted fugitive by Muskingum County with a recommended bond of $750,000 cash, property or surety due to his dangerous criminal record, ongoing threat to the community, and demonstrated inability to comply with bonding conditions.
“Muskingum County residents express their expectation that public safety is a primary role in charging, prosecution, setting of bonds, and sentencing by electing public officials who take that issue seriously,” according to Prosecutor Ron Welch. “It is not enough to have law enforcement find and catch criminals suspected of committing retail theft. Taking retail property theft seriously requires aggressive prosecution and a judiciary willing to incapacitate and punish every offender.”
If you have information as to the whereabouts of Brian Murdock, please contact the Zanesville Police Department, Det. Jason Keck, at 740-455-0700.
Disclaimer: all suspects are presumed innocent
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