October 13, 2024

Search warrants lead to arrests on drug charges

Meigs County Sheriff Scott Fitch reports that on March 21st, 2023 at approximately 6:30PM the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force along with Deputies with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Middleport Police Department executed a search warrant at 28951 Bashan Road in Sutton Township. The search warrant came after an extensive investigation into Shyla Jarrell and her involvement in drug trafficking by task force agents.

Upon entry being made into the residence Task Force Agents detained multiple individuals and conducted a search of the residence. While searching the residence Agents located suspected methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Task Force Agents also located digital scales,individual plastic baggies, along with other items indicative of drug trafficking.

Detained at the scene was John Rankin, 66, of Belpre, OH on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine. Angela Rankin, 49, of Fleming, OH was detained for Possession of Heroin/Fetanyl. Shyla Jarrell was not home at the time of execution of the search warrant.

As a result of the search warrant, the case against Shyla Jarrell will be presented to a Meigs County Grand Jury for multiple counts of Drug Trafficking, Possession of Drugs, and other drug related charges.

“I have spoke with several friends in Racine and citizens of the community who are sick of the drugs in Sutton Township.” Stated Sheriff Fitch. “Consider this a warning to the rest of you that are peddling drugs in this community. Our work is just beginning and if you choose to continue your ways then we will bust down your door next.”

The Southeast Major Crimes Task Force is part of Ohio Attorney General’s Office Organized Crime Investigations Commission and is comprised of representatives of the Washington, Morgan, Noble, Monroe, Meigs, and Athens County Sheriff’s Offices; the Marietta, Belpre, Middleport, McConnelsville, Nelsonville, and Glouster Police Departments; the Washington, Morgan, Noble, Monroe, Meigs, and Athens County Prosecutor’s Offices; and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.