The Tuscarawas County Public Library System will host the author of Ohio Heists, Jane Ann Turzillo, on Thursday, September 15^th at 6:30 PM at the Main Library.

Turzillo was one of the original owners of the West Side Leader, a large northeast Ohio weekly newspaper, where she wrote a historical crime column for several years. Her articles’ recurring focus on Ohio history and true crime inspired her to write and publish Murder & Mayhem on Ohio’s Rails, Ohio Train Disasters, and Wicked Women of Northeast Ohio.

In Ohio Heists, Turzillo recounts resourceful thieves including historic bank holdups, train robberies, jewelry stings, and more.

“It is going to be an enjoyable program as we listen to Turzillo recount the stories of Ohio's most notorious thieves,” said Public Service Associate Andrew Kamban who organized the program. “We expect her to talk about American gangster John Dillinger who hit banks all over Ohio, infamous jewelry thief Bill Mason who stole from the Cleveland mob, gangster Alvin Karpis who robbed a train in Garrettsville, and more notorious bandits.”

Kamban said Turzillo holds degrees in Criminal Justice Technology and Mass Media Communication from The University of Akron. Her memberships include the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the National Federation of Press Women.

Truzillo will answer questions, and a book signing will be held following the program with books available to purchase.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration may be done by visiting the library’s event calendar or calling 330-364-4474.