537.14 RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY.

   (a)   No person shall receive, retain or dispose of property of another, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the property has been obtained through commission of a theft offense.

   (b)   It is not a defense to a charge of receiving stolen property in violation of this section that the property was obtained by means other than through the commission of a theft offense if the property was explicitly represented to the accused person as being obtained through the commission of a theft offense.

   (c)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of receiving stolen property, a misdemeanor of the first degree. Receiving stolen property is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law if:

      (1)   The value of the property involved is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more; or

      (2)   The property involved is:

         A.   Listed in Section 545.03; or

         B.   A motor vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4501.01; or

         C.   A dangerous drug as defined in Ohio R.C. 4729.01.

         D.   A special purchase article as defined in Ohio R.C. 4737.04 or a bulk merchandise container as defined in Ohio R.C. 4737.012.

            (ORC 2913.51)