Four people were arrested following a drug trafficking investigation at a local hotel, according to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
According to authorities, the investigation began on April 30, 2026, and included detectives from the Criminal Interdiction Unit, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, the St. Clairsville Police Department, and the Barnesville Police Department.
As investigators approached a vehicle connected to the investigation, two of the suspects allegedly escaped, but were shortly located and arrearrested.
The suspects were identified as Michael Claytor, 19, Eric Jones, 18, Rishun Jones, 22, and Terry Hopkins, 23, all from Youngstown, Ohio.
All four were booked into the Belmont County Jail on fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking charges. Claytor and Rishun Jones face further charges for resisting arrest.
During the investigation, officers seized about 17 grams of cocaine, 72 grams of fentanyl, and 306 grams of methamphetamine.
Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack said the investigation is still underway, and more arrests are possible.
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