Lordstown Man Sentenced for MetroParks Robberies

Dennis Lange received 6-7.5 years in prison for armed robberies at a local park.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a firearm or other physical evidence related to the robberies, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh flash of a camera captures the stark reality of the evidence left behind from a series of violent park robberies.Lordstown Today

Dennis Lange, 22, of Lordstown, Ohio was sentenced to 6 to 7.5 years in prison for his role in two armed robberies that took place at Foster MetroPark near Newton Falls. Lange pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree robbery with a one-year firearm specification. His co-defendant, Iyana Barlow, 24, of Butler, Pennsylvania, lured victims through social media and arranged the meetings at the park, where Lange would then rob them at gunpoint of their firearms.

Why it matters

The robberies at Foster MetroPark highlight the growing problem of violent crime in public spaces, as well as the use of social media to facilitate such crimes. The case also raises concerns about the safety of park visitors and the need for increased security measures to protect the community.

The details

According to authorities, Barlow would use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to lure victims to the park, where Lange would then rob them at gunpoint. The first robbery occurred on May 18 at 1:30 a.m., when a man reported being threatened at gunpoint by three people who stole his firearm after meeting a woman through a Facebook dating app. A second robbery on May 23 at 11:30 p.m. followed a similar pattern, with the suspects fleeing in a large SUV or pickup truck after taking the victim's firearm.

  • The first robbery occurred at 1:30 a.m. on May 18.
  • The second robbery occurred at 11:30 p.m. on May 23.
  • Lange turned himself in at the sheriff's department on June 5 following an interview.

The players

Dennis Lange

A 22-year-old man from Lordstown, Ohio who pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree robbery with a one-year firearm specification.

Iyana Barlow

A 24-year-old woman from Butler, Pennsylvania who lured victims through social media and arranged the meetings at the park, where Lange would then rob them at gunpoint.

Trumbull County Sheriff's Major Doug Bobovnyik

The major who stated that Barlow lured victims through social media and the motive was to steal firearms.

Judge Sean O'Brien

The judge who presided over the case and sentenced Lange to 6 to 7.5 years in prison.

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What they’re saying

“At the time of their arrest, Trumbull County Sheriff's Major Doug Bobovnyik said Barlow lured victims through social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, and arranged meetings at the park. Authorities believe Barlow initiated the robberies, with the motive of stealing firearms.”

— Doug Bobovnyik, Trumbull County Sheriff's Major

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Iyana Barlow, Lange's co-defendant, out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of violent crime in public spaces, as well as the use of social media to facilitate such crimes. It raises concerns about the safety of park visitors and the need for increased security measures to protect the community.