Search Warrant Execution Results in Two Arrests

Search Warrant Execution Results in Two Arrests

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Two people have been taken into custody following the execution of a search warrant in Chester Township.

According to Sheriff Keith Wood, the search warrant executed in Chester Township in the afternoon of June 25, 2019. Sheriff Wood reports United States Marshals along with Sheriff’s Deputies and the Major Crimes Task Force of Gallia–Meigs went to a residence located on Bashan Road to locate a male wanted out of Gallia County Common Pleas Court.  While checking the residence for the male, officers located marijuana growing inside the residence.  Wood reported the residence was secured along with campers on the property and a search warrant was obtained with the assistance of Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney James Stanley.

Sheriff Wood stated at the conclusion of the search of the residence several items of contraband were seized that included methamphetamines, marijuana plants, digital scales, cell phone, drug abuse instruments and packaging material.

Agents from the Major Crimes Task Force arrested Johnny Ratliff, 52, and Scott Peterson, 43, both of Long Bottom for outstanding warrants.  The Major Crimes Task Force will confer with Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney James Stanley on additional charges stemming from the case.

The Major Crimes Task Force of Gallia-Meigs is a state task force under the jurisdiction the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission which is part of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the task force was formed in September 2013 and consists of the Meigs and Gallia County Sheriff’s Offices, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Gallipolis City Police Department, the Middleport Police Department and both the Meigs and Gallia County Prosecutor’s Offices.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.