The owner of an Austintown construction company was booked into the Mahoning County jail Tuesday and then released on bond after being indicted on criminal charges.

Ray Starr Jr., 54, AKA "RJ" according to court records, is charged with tampering with evidence, receiving stolen property, and obstruction of justice.

Police in Weathersfield Township told 21 News that the investigation began after someone drove onto the site of a new home being built on Warren-Austintown road and stole equipment including excavator buckets and an auger.

The equipment was the property of JHN Construction of Mineral Ridge.

Police say the equipment was eventually found at Starr Excavating in Austintown.

According to the Ohio Secretary of State, Starr Excavating, 112 S. Meridian Road is operated by Starr.

Even before Starr was scheduled to appear for arraignment on the indictment, his attorney said his client denies the allegations against him related to stolen construction equipment, issuing the below statement:

"My office currently represents Mr. Ray Starr Jr. Concerning the recent indictment, Mr. Starr will be entering a plea of not guilty. Mr. Starr's not guilty plea is a complete and unequivocal denial of the allegations levied by the State of Ohio. We fully intend to let the justice system run its course. Mr. Starr like all individuals accused of a crime, remains innocent until he has been proven guilty."

                                                                                                                                                                                                -Attorney Robert Rohrbaugh 

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday.