Multi-Agency Effort Nets Large Bust

UPDATED

MEIGS AND GALLIA COUNTIES – The Major Crimes Task Force of Gallia and Meigs Counties has completed an five month investigation that has resulted in 26 arrests, 51 charges and 17 additional warrants being issued.

The effort was a cooperation of the Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood, Gallia County Sheriff Joseph Browning, Gallipolis Police Chief Clinton Patterson, Middleport Police Chief Bruce Swift, Meigs County Prosecutor Colleen Williams, and Gallia County Prosecutor Jeff Adkins. The agencies have combined efforts to take on crime, particularly drugs in both Gallia and Meigs counties.

The message to those involved in drug activity in the area was very clear.

“You are being watched. You are going to be caught,” Sheriff Wood said, addressing the message during the press conference to any that would participate in drug activity in Meigs or Gallia County. Sheriff Browning along with Chiefs Swift and Patterson concurred.

The investigation netted a wide range of drugs including black tar heroin, powder heroin, marijuana, prescription pills, LSD, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Also in evidence are several illegal weapons, money, and paraphernalia connected with the drug trade.

Ohio Attorney General DeWine said the effort started on Sept. 12, 2013 and since then, the combined agencies have been working together to make the sweep possible. He said it was the result of many hours of work and effort to bring the charges and make the arrests.

“We intend to find them,” DeWine said of those 17 individuals with outstanding warrants in connection to the sweep.

DeWine discussed the incredible plague that heroin has become on Ohio. He said it is epidemic in every county in Ohio.

“Every county I go to, I hear horror stories from police and sheriffs,” he said of what heroin has done to communities. He urged for communities to come together and support law enforcement by working with them in grassroots efforts. He also stressed the need to education about the drug problems, especially heroin.

DeWine said the Mexican drug cartels bring drugs into Ohio. He said he was proud of the work the Major Crimes Task Force has done.

“The rest of the story is we can’t arrest our way out of this problem,” he continued, “Each community need to get mad and say they are not going to put up with this any more.”

Sheriff Wood said the foremost issue for him is to “clearly and strongly look to the safety of community.”

He added that they are battling this day after day.

Sgt. Bill Gilkey with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office said, “If you are doing drugs you better be looking across your shoulder.”

Sheriff Browning added the drug problem is “bigger than any one community can take on,” but the combined, unified effort is netting results and will continue to do so.

“We are on the right track. We are going to come after you,” Sheriff Browning said.

Chiefs Swift and Patterson echoed those sentiments and said their departments would continue to combat the drug problems and those involved. There are many crimes such as burglary and domestic violence that go along with the drug trade. The members of the task force are cracking down on those as well.

“There are a lot of fish out there and more to get,” DeWine said.

DeWine also said of heroin, “It is a demon that possesses them.” He said treatment and education are needed in addition to the efforts of law enforcement.

Those involved in the bust include residents of Pomeroy, Racine, Rutland, Middleport, Gallipolis, Dayton, Columbus, Thurman, and Galena.

Arrested were: Leslie Storms, 42, Pomeroy; Tina Storms, 40, Pomeroy; Ashley Smith, 24, Pomeroy; Tonya Aeiker, 33, Rutland; David Milliron, 34, Racine; Felisha Stumbo, 27, Middleport; Paula Gaster, 56, Middleport; Willard Laudermilt III, 29, Middleport; Amber Spradling, 29, Pomeroy; Gary Kauff, 27, Middleport; Heather Roush, 39, Middleport; Daniel Jenkins, 20, Racine; Tammy Thomas, 46, Middleport; Amanda Holmes, 28, Gallipolis; Tyrone Powell Jr., 28, Dayton; Cole Simpson, 23, Gallipolis; Taurean Ramsey, 35, Columbus; Kelcie Baird, 20, Thurman; Joseph Peck, 28, Thurman; Raymone Jackson, 31, Galena; Joseph Sexton, 20, Gallipolis; Earl Hager, 55, Gallipolis; Nancy (Kirk) Blackburn, 28, Gallipolis; Porter Mitchell,38, Gallipolis; and Michelle Walker, 36, Thurman.
For more on those arrested in connection with this sweep see the related story, Sweep Brings 26 Arrests, More to Follow.

MEIGS AND GALLIA COUNTIES – A multi-agency effort has netted a major bust sweep in both Meigs and Gallia counties.

Following an investigation, 26 people have been arrested with 17 additional warrants issued. More information will be forthcoming.