March 29, 2024

EDITOR’S S NOTE: ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Meigs County Sheriff Scott Fitch reports that on May 4, 2023 the Southeast Ohio Major Crimes Task Force along with Officers from the Middleport Police Department and Deputies with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at two residences. Those residences were 757 Oliver Street and 620 Laurel Street, Lot #1 in the Village of Middleport. The search warrants came after an extensive investigation into drug trafficking from both residences by Task Force Agents.

Upon entry being made into the Oliver Street residence, Task Force Agents and Deputies detained multiple individuals and conducted a search of the residence. While searching the residence, Agents located methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.

Taken into custody at the scene was Willie C. Causey, 40, of Middleport on charges of Possession of Heroin and Trafficking in Drugs.

Willie Causey is also facing an indictment through the Meigs County Court of Common Pleas for Trafficking in Drugs, Possession of Drugs and Tampering with Evidence.

A search of the residence located on Laurel Street in Middleport revealed a small quantity of suspected illicit drugs as well as drug paraphernalia. One individual was detained at the scene and was later released upon completion of the search warrant.

The Southeast Major Crimes Task Force is part of the 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.