Three Taken into Custody Following Traffic Stop

MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio – Three people were taken into custody following a traffic stop by a Meigs County Sheriff’s Deputy.

According to Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood, on March 1, 2018 Meigs County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on State Route 124 in Middleport near the intersection of Bradbury Road for a traffic infraction. Deputy Campbell approached the vehicle and identified the driver as Johnny Ratliff, 51, of Middleport. Upon speaking with the driver, deputies located a loaded Ruger handgun in the floorboard of the vehicle. At this time Johnny Ratliff and Michael A. Pierce, 59, of Rutland were both taken into custody for having weapons while under disability due to both individuals having prior felony convictions on their records. Pierce was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia after being searched by deputies.

The final occupant of the vehicle, Belinda R. Pendleton, 54, of Rutland was taken into custody for having possession of a Suboxone pill. Upon a search of the vehicle, deputies located suspected methamphetamine in the floorboard along with drug paraphernalia. This case is currently still under investigation and further charges are pending at this time.