'They had a regular greenhouse going in there'
January 20, 2004

DOYLESTOWN - Two people were arrested in connection with what the police chief is calling the biggest drug bust during his three years with the force.

Doylestown police, along with agents from the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency, executed a search warrant Saturday night at 389 1/2 High St. and discovered more than 100 marijuana plants, 5 1/2 pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to Police Chief Jerry Foys.

Arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana, child endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia were Erin M. Delotelle, 33, and Sarah E. Riley, 29, both of the High Street address.

They were released by the court, according to Wayne County Jail information.

The couple’s 5-year-old son was turned over to Wayne County Children Services, Foys said.

While an exact figure was unknown, Foys said the street value of the marijuana was “thousands and thousands of dollars.”

“They had a regular greenhouse going in there,” Foys said. Police discovered 76 marijuana plants growing in one bedroom, and 44 more in another bedroom.

The raid had been planned for some time.

“When I first came in here, I told council and the mayor that drug houses were a priority of mine,” Foys said.

“We will continue to be proactive in searching them out, raiding them and prosecuting (the cases),” he said.

Reporter Bobby Warren can be reached at (330) 287-1638 or e-mail bwarren@the-daily-record.com. 

Officers finding more guns during drug raids in Wayne County
February 01, 2004

WOOSTER - More and more frequently law enforcement officers have been finding weapons alongside drugs in Wayne County.

Summer brought the first in a string of incidents in which weapons were seized during the execution of search warrants prompted by drug activity, according to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency director Chuck DeFelice.

“It concerns us what we’re seeing - weapons, loaded, ready at hand with the drugs, and they’re obviously placed there for a reason,” he said.

During the execution of at least three warrants, agents found firearms at residences, said Wayne County Sheriff Thomas G. Maurer, who also is on the Medway Board of Directors.

The prevalence of weapons, he said, “could be indicator drug prices are going up and they’re protecting their illegal property.”

Most of the guns seized that are in proximity to drugs and dealers are handguns used primarily for personal protection - 9 mm, .357 Magnums and .25-caliber automatics, DeFelice said.

In 2003, Medway executed most of its search warrants in Wooster, due in large part to a crack cocaine problem that has been growing in the city since the 1980s, DeFelice said.

Crack, he said, has brought traffic to the city from more metropolitan areas, including Detroit, Chicago, Akron, Canton and Mansfield.

And with the outside influence comes competition.

“These are not Wayne County people” who are typically found in possession of guns and drugs, he said. “They don’t have the Wayne County mindset and morals, and they’re more likely to use weapons.

“There are two reasons why the guns are there. They’re there to protect themselves and their drugs from law enforcement and other drug dealers and users. Unfortunately, we don’t know when we go to the door what their intent is.”

Officers, he said, will ask a judge to issue a no-knock search warrant when intelligence suggests suspects may have a history of violence or if weapon are presumed to be involved.

And always, whether executing a no-knock or a knock-and-announce warrant, he said, officers exercise caution. They’re always well identified and accompanied by uniformed officers, DeFelice said.

An increase in weapons sends “another signal to our officers that we must always expect the unexpected when executing search and arrest warrants,” Maurer said.

Wooster Police Chief Steve Thornton, who also is on the Medway board, said the department’s SWAT team is mobilized when a threat is imminent.

Officers have “found more weapons this year than in the past, and that’s something we’re concerned about,” he said, explaining they’re also finding more weapons in vehicles. While suspected, he said, they’re often unable to directly link the weapons in those cases to drug trafficking, but “the guns we have found always seem to be not far away from the drugs, location and association,” he said.

In 2003, he said, the city also investigated a couple of shootings believed to be drug related.
When weapons are seized, officials pursue criminal charges.

Prior felons found in possession of weapons can be charged with having weapons while under disability, in cases where guns are found in vehicles when there is a drug-related arrest, prosecutors can pursue charges of carrying a concealed weapon, and guns seized in connection with drug trafficking can prompt filing of charges including firearms specifications that carry prison terms ranging from one to six years, said Wayne County Prosecutor Martin Frantz. Plea negotiations on related charges, he said, typically do not include dismissal of gun specifications.

In the absence of evidentiary issues (relating to the specifications), this office and the court won’t allow us to offer and allow gun specifications to be dismissed as part of plea negotiations,” he said.
Prosecutors in the felony division look for weapons charges and include them when proper, he said, explaining, “I’ve always believed the best way to keep guns out of the hands of criminals is through strict enforcement of Ohio’s gun laws.”

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Timing of tests plays part in man’s acquittal of drug charge
February 11, 2004

MILLERSBURG Ð A Millersburg man accused of selling $50 worth of marijuana in 2002 was found not guilty in Holmes County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.

Mark Allen Keith, 43, of 163 E. Jackson St.West Jackson Street business.

He was arrested by Holmes County Sheriff’s deputies as part of a larger investigation in October, and released on 10 percent of a $10,000 bond.

On Tuesday, the informant, Saunya Fry, 32, testified she became an informant with the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency in 1998 and since then has assisted with nearly 100 undercover drug buys in Wayne, Holmes and Medina counties.

Fry is incarcerated in the Holmes County Jail awaiting trial on charges of forgery and theft of checks.

She testified she entered the business from a back alley, wearing a microphone, and after talking with Keith about not being able to find marijuana to buy, Fry said Keith offered to sell her some, and went out to his vehicle to get it.

Former Medway Agent Guy Polzel said he searched Fry prior to dropping her off at the business. She had no drugs, money or weapons on her at that time.

He said he waited in a car for 30 minutes to an hour until he was given the go-ahead by Medway and Millersburg police surveillance officers in another vehicle to enter the establishment through the front door.

He said he gave Fry the $50 with which to pay for the drugs and witnessed her talking with Keith, but did not see the actual exchange of marijuana and cash, only hand movements.

The surveillance audio tape made of the transaction was played in court, but the sound quality was poor with ambient noise drowning out much of the conversation between Fry and Keith.

Polzel testified Fry turned around after the exchange and lifted a baggy halfway out of her shirt pocket to let him know of the purchase. She went into the ladies room to check the marijuana as she had been told to do by Keith.

After leaving the bar, Polzel testified he again searched Fry for contraband, and the baggy of marijuana was given to Millersburg Police Sgt. Scott Akins.

Akins testified he field tested the green vegetable matter and found it to be marijuana, and locked the evidence in a locker at the Millersburg Police station.

Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Mullen said the alleged drug was laboratory tested last week.

Judge Thomas D. White questioned the timing of the tests, made more than a year after the initial seizure of the sample and the week before the trial, and did not allow testimony on the testing.

Keith’s attorney Mark Clark argued field testing and visual inspection is not adequate to prove the material in the baggy was marijuana, alluding to the fact the seasoning oregano can be mistaken for marijuana.

Mullen argued the drug trafficking indictment lists the attempt to sell drugs as reason enough to convict, whether or not the matter was real marijuana or not.

White ruled the state did not provide evidence that proved beyond a reasonable doubt the material in the seized baggy was marijuana, and acquitted Keith.

Mullen said afterward he will not seek an appeal.

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail jledford@the-daily-record.com. 

Bust takes big bite out of drug traffic
February 25, 2004

WOOSTER - A major source of cocaine flowing into the county was interrupted with the Monday night arrest of four men.

Gabriel G. Cuevas, 19, of 8193 E. Lincoln Way, Apple Creek, is charged in Wayne County Municipal Court with a first-degree felony charge of trafficking in cocaine.

Charged with second-degree felony charges of conspiracy to commit trafficking in cocaine are Luis Ramirez Vargas, 46, of 325 W. Main St., Apple Creek; Bernardino Galvan, 19, of 395 W. Main St., Apple Creek; and Hector M. Belmontes, 30, of Rockford, Ill.

Monday’s operation began with the arrest of Belmontes, who, en route to Chicago, was stopped while driving near Dalton, according to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency Director Chuck DeFelice. His arrest led to the simultaneous execution of no-knock search warrants at Cuevas’ and Galvan’s residences at 11:45 p.m.

The search warrants and arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation into large amounts of cocaine and marijuana coming into Wayne County, DeFelice said, adding area law enforcement officers have been aware of a supply coming into Apple Creek for the past year.

“The houses were the hub of activity for those connected (to the trafficking operation),” DeFelice said.

During the search warrant, officers seized 1/2 kilogram of cocaine, six vehicles and two guns and ammunition. They also recovered about $10,000 cash. During the course of the investigation, DeFelice said, a total of 1 1/2 kilos of cocaine and several pounds of marijuana were seized.

Total street value of the seized drugs, he said, is more than $150,000.

“These are kilo cocaine dealers and pound marijuana dealers,” he said, referring to the magnitude of the suspected operation.

“This was a definite Chicago connection,” DeFelice said. It is suspected the drugs came from Mexico, by way of Chicago. All four men arrested on Monday are suspected of having family connections to Mexico, Chicago and Wayne County.

And, according to Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Jocelyn Stefancin, it is believed all four men gained access to the United States illegally; law enforcement officers have been in contact with the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

“Just look at how much weight they’re bringing in, that is a major supply (of cocaine and marijuana) to Wayne County and surrounding counties,” DeFelice said. “Usually we deal with gram and ounce dealers inWayne County. This was a main source - a pipeline - from Chicago. (The arrests) are definitely going to put a hurt on (the) powder cocaine (market) in the county.”

The investigation continues and additional charges are pending.

The prosecutor’s office is investigating the possibility of pursuing charges related to organized crime in connection with the suspected trafficking activity, according to Stefancin. It is too early to say whether others will face charges in connection with the investigation, she added.

Participating in the raids were about 25 officers from the Wooster Police Department and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office SWAT teams, Medway Task Force personnel and an agent from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper assisted by providing translation services.

All four men are incarcerated at the Wayne County Jail, with bond set at $25,000 cash. Preliminary hearings on the charges are scheduled for Tuesday. Cuevas faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The other three each face eight years in prison and $15,000 fines.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

WOOSTER - A fund for money confiscated in suspected drug activity was created following a 5-2 City Council vote.

Council approved establishing the Federal Equitable Sharing Fund with Barb Hustwit, D-Ward 2, and Mindy Cavin, D-Ward 1, voting against the ordinance.

The fund will allow the Police Department to collect nearly $7,800 of about $10,000 confiscated from a suspected drug dealer. The other 20 percent of the money will go to the federal government.

At Monday’s council meeting, Hustwit, Cavin, Councilman Jon Ulbright, D-At-large, and Councilman David Silvestri, R-Ward 3, said they couldn’t support the legislation.

Chief Steve Thornton requested an extension to the March 31 deadline but was not guaranteed approval.

“When I talked to the Department of Justice last week, they said you can file it (the extension) but we can’t guarantee you will get it,” Thornton said. “It would have to go from me, to Cleveland, to Washington, D.C.”

After council’s March 1 meeting, Thornton explained when the money is seized, it’s sent to the U.S. Marshal’s Office where it’s kept until a hearing is held. If the magistrate rules in favor of the city, “we get the money,” Thornton said. If the city doesn’t prove its case, the money goes back to the individual.

Councilman Jeff Griffin, R-Ward 4, said the most important issue regarding the ordinance is “the City of Wooster will be able to benefit from funds made available through the Federal Equitable Sharing program.”

“Our law enforcement officers, in association with Medway, work for months on certain drug cases. Then they are willing to risk their lives to take down these drug suppliers in the middle of the night while all of us are safe in our own homes. This program chalks one up for the good guys and allows the City of Wooster to use the drug dealers’ money in a positive way,” Griffin said after Friday’s meeting.

He said he didn’t understand how the program could be viewed as anything but positive.

“I truly do not understand how anyone could look upon this program as a negative or as a risk to the civil liberties of our citizens,” Griffin said. “The current Civil Forfeiture Act of 2000 was signed into law by President Clinton, approved unanimously in the U.S. Senate and approved by the NACDL (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers), ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), ABA (American Bar Association) and NRA (National Rifle Association), to name a few.”

Councilman John Robison, R-At-large, said he was disappointed the legislation took three readings to get to Monday’s special meeting.

“I would like to remind my colleagues that this piece of legislation before us is not a change in this due process,” Robison said before Friday’s vote. “A ‘no’ vote will not change the government seizing property - it will simply eliminate us from getting our fair share. We each have our own opinions and I respect that. In my opinion, we need to vote ‘yes’ on this. For me, this is a vote of confidence for our police force, a vote of confidence in due process and a chance for us to take our fair share of property obtained from a bad situation and do something good with it.”

“I’m pleased council recognized the value of joining into this agreement,” Thornton said. “This doesn’t change the way we do business on a day-to-day basis. It only allows us to take advantage of funds that would be lost if we weren’t a part of the agreement.”

Thornton said money received by the agreement will be used to buy drug education materials and will help to fund training and the purchase of equipment.

Reporter Lydia Gehring can be reached at (330) 287-1632 or e-mail lgehring@the-daily-record.com. 

Meth lab found in Doylestown area home
May 14, 2004

WOOSTER - A methamphetamine lab discovered Wednesday night at a Doylestown area property is “probably the largest lab we’ve taken down in this area,” according to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency Director Charles DeFelice.

Robert C. Golubov, 49, of 15099 S. Hametown Road, is charged in Wayne County Municipal Court with illegal manufacture of drugs.

He was arrested after officers searched at his property at 6 p.m.

The search yielded more than 30 grams of crystal methamphetamine and equipment indicating the clandestine meth lab had been in production at the residence’s garage, according to Wayne County Sheriff Thomas G. Maurer. Inside the house were components of the lab. The estimated value of the drugs is $3,000.

“It was a well-equipped, well-stocked lab that appears to have been in operation for quite some time,” DeFelice said.

Several ingredients were in the early stage of the manufacturing process, DeFelice said.

Also seized were a shotgun, found in the garage, where the lab had been set up, and a revolver in the house, DeFelice said. Officers also found ammunition for an assault weapon, not located in the search.

“The value of the drug is relatively low; however, the identification and ultimate destruction of this criminal lab site is significant,” Maurer said. “The illegal manufacturing of this type of drug is an increasing problem for our communities. It is easily manufactured and has devastating effects on the users.”

Within the past week, Medway and its task force have dismantled three residential meth labs in Millersburg, Wadsworth and Doylestown. The lab activity, DeFelice said, consumed “over 90 percent of our manpower and time.”

“We cannot allow these types of operations to go unchecked. Upon learning of any information of this manufacturing, we will respond immediately,” Maurer said.

A tip funneled through the Medina County Drug Task force to Medway prompted the investigation, DeFelice said. Assisting in the search were agents from Medway and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies.

Golubov faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine. He remains incarcerated at the Wayne County Jail pending payment of a $10,000 cash bond.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

MILLERSBURG - A Millersburg man accused of operating a methamphetamine lab in his home has pleaded not guilty to three felony drug charges.

Kyle V. Menuez, 32, of 1043 Wooster Road, was indicted by a Holmes County grand jury on Wednesday on charges of illegal manufacturing of drugs and aggravated possession of drugs, both second-degree felonies, and illegal assembly of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs, a third-degree felony, according to the Holmes County Commons Pleas Court.

Menuez was arraigned on Friday, pleading not guilty. He has retained attorney Frank Pignatelli of Akron.

Judge Thomas D. White scheduled a pre-trial conference for June 8 at 10 a.m. with a jury trial to commence on July 12 at 8:30 a.m.

Menuez is free after posting $100,000 cash, surety or property bond, according to bailiff Sgt. Michael McElroy.

During the search of Menuez’s home on May 6, officers of the Millersburg Police Department, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Medway Drug Enforcement Agency located almost 70 grams of suspected methamphetamine, security equipment and firearms.

Police Chief S. Thomas Vaughn said at the time of his arrest, Menuez was preparing materials to cook into meth.

Meth is a central nervous system drug that can be taken by ingesting the drug, smoking it or snorting it.

When meth is made, the cooking of the chemicals results in large amounts of toxic by-products that can be harmful to both humans and the environment.

The suspected drugs have been sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation for analysis, but no report has been produced yet, according to Sgt. Roger Estill.

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail jledford@the-daily-record.com. 

Orrville meth lab taken down Agents, police confiscate ‘complete lab’
June 18, 2004
By PAUL LOCHER
Staff Writer

ORRVILLE - A 27-year-old Orrville man was arrested Wednesday evening when Medway Drug Enforcement Agency officers, supported by Orrville police and fire department personnel, raided a single-family residence where a laboratory manufacturing methamphetamine was in full operation.

Arrested was Michael R. Muth, 317 S. Walnut St.Wayne Wayne County Common Pleas Court and charged with the illegal manufacture of drugs.

According to Orrville Police Chief Joe Routh, officers acting on information developed by a detective through an informant searched the residence at 6:45 p.m.

“During the search,” Routh said, “items were recovered that are commonly used in the operation of a methamphetamine clandestine laboratory.”

Routh said officers also recovered suspected methamphetamine from the scene.

Medway Director Chuck DeFelice said at the time officers arrived, the meth lab was in full operation.

“It was definitely up and running,” DeFelice said, noting red phosphorous, an ingredient in methamphetamine, was cooking at the time. DeFelice characterized the Walnut Street drug operation as “a complete lab” that “had numerous cooks. It was established and complete. It was not a typical box lab.”

In addition to law enforcement officers, four lab-certified Medway agents identified the methamphetamine and its collective ingredients.

DeFelice said the various elements comprising the drug operation were taken to a decontamination tent set up by the fire department.

Processing the scene, DeFelice said, took about eight hours, wrapping up about 2:30 a.m.

While not as big as a meth lab operation uncovered recently in Doylestown, DeFelice said shutting down the Orrville laboratory “will obviously help” in stemming trafficking of the illegal drug in the area.

DeFelice said “good cooperation between law enforcement departments” was a key element in the successful shutting down of the lab operation.

Reporter Paul Locher can be reached at (330) 682-2055, Ext. 218, or e-mail plocher@the-daily-record.com. 

ORRVILLE - A 27-year-old Orrville man who on June 16 was arrested for operating a methamphetamine lab and charged with the illegal manufacture of drugs, apparently left jail and immediately set up another meth lab, according to police.

Chief Joe Routh said Tuesday that Michael Muth of 317 W. Walnut St. was arrested at his residence again on Friday at 9:45 a.m. after police received information he had assembled the chemicals and laboratory equipment needed to start up another meth lab.

Routh said Orrville officers along with Medway agents returned to the house with a search warrant and found materials that could have equipped another illegal drug operation.

Muth was arrested and transported to the Wayne County jail. He was arraigned Monday and charged with felony possession of chemicals used in illegal drug manufacturing. He remained in jail as of Tuesday.

Officers worked at the property until about 5 a.m. Saturday to process the chemicals and materials found at the scene.

Medway Director Chuck DeFelice described Muth’s previous operation as “a complete lab” that “had numerous cooks.”

DeFelice said it was a complete and sophisticated drug laboratory, rather than a small box-type lab.

In a related incident Orrville and Medway officers Friday night arrested two other Orrville men for possessing chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamines.

According to DeFelice, the two other men were obtaining chemicals for Muth and aiding him in setting up another laboratory location.

In addition, the Medway director said, there is still at least one other suspect that might be arrested in the matter.

“It’s possible there could be multiple additional arrests,” DeFelice said.

Charged with felony possession of chemicals used in illegal drug manufacturing were Orion K. Finnigan, 19, of 324 McGill St., and Russell L. Morris, 18, also of 324 McGill St.

Routh said both men were arrested outside their residence and the chemicals and laboratory materials were inside a vehicle. The police chief declined to say whether or how Finnigan and Morris’ operation was related to that of Muth.

Routh said the police department’s third shift of officers was called in early Friday to assist in processing the drug scenes, and said a special team from Columbus was brought in to dispose of the materials.

He said no one was injured in the incidents.

DeFelice said the group of arrests “definitely make a dent” in methamphetamine trafficking in the Orrville area.

Reporter Paul Locher can be reached at (330) 682-2055, Ext. 218, or e-mail plocher@the-daily-record.com. 

Source of drugs found at DRC is investigated
July 17, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - The source of cocaine apparently smuggled into the Wayne County Discipline and Rehabilitation Center is under investigation.

On July 1, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office received information that someone was bringing suspected cocaine into the DRC, according to Sheriff Thomas G. Maurer.

“Our staff immediately investigated and removed five individuals and placed them back in the county jail,” Maurer said, explaining the two women and three men all tested positive for cocaine use, indicating they had used cocaine within 24 hours.

Felony and misdemeanor charges against the inmates are being considered by prosecutors, Maurer said.

In light of the positive drug tests and reports stating the cocaine had been brought into and used at the detention facility, Maurer said he contacted the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency to investigate the source of the drugs. That investigation has yet to be complete, he said.

In the DRC’s five-year history, he said, inmates have attempted to smuggle contraband into the facility, but always have been stopped by guards during routine searches.

While inmates at the pay-to-stay facility are permitted to leave the building for work, delays in reporting to work or returning to the building are monitored and can cause an inmate to lose his privilege and face incarceration at the county jail, Maurer said, explaining, “Every minute outside the facility is accountable or their stay at the center is stopped.

“It’s an open environment, an honor system, per se,” Maurer said. “Upon suspicion (of misbehaviors) we move quickly to remedy a negative situation.”

Despite the incident, Maurer said, he still believes in the program, adding, “It’s an excellently run operation between the Sheriff’s Office, the county commissioners and the courts.

“We get the occasional person who still does not believe in discipline and why they’re there. We don’t want them there, and they don’t stay. Our judges appropriately look at violations, and we are happy for the results they give us. It helps to ensure the integrity of the program,” he said.

“Most people take a positive view of the opportunity that is granted to them, but occasionally we do have those that do wish to continue their unlawful way, and we have things in place to identify and move quickly in violations.

“Any system that deals with the criminal justice system has it’s problems,” he said. “We wouldn’t need police officers, courts, judges if everyone abided by the law.”

Charges have yet to be filed on any of the suspects in the case.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Holmes wants off the ‘island’: Will ask voters for 0.25 mill to fund full participation in Medway program
July 20, 2004
By JOSEPH LEDFORD
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - The Holmes County commissioners displayed its commitment to enhancing the fight against area drug activity on Monday and put the matter into voters’ hands.

The commissioners passed a resolution acknowledging the need for more manpower, resources and intelligence to successfully counteract illegal drug activity.

They also passed a resolution to place a 0.25-mill tax levy on the Nov. 2 ballot that would provide funds for maintaining law enforcement motor vehicles, communications, equipment, Sheriff’s Office personnel and participation as a full member county in the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency.

The levy would cost a taxpayer with a $100,000 home about $8 a year, Commissioner Joe Miller said.

“This is something we have looked at for a long time,” Miller said. “We are not doing it lightly. ... I’m the last guy that wants to raise taxes.”

The commissioners agreed a tax levy would provide consistent funds for participation in the Medway program.

Medway Director Charles DeFelice said Wayne and Holmes County has received informal assistance from Medway, an agency with more than 25 years experience in fighting drug crimes.

“We have done a lot with Holmes Wayne County in drug activity,” DeFelice said.

DeFelice reported Holmes County is one of only a few counties in the state not covered by an anti-drug task force.

“It’s like an island” beckoning drug makers and dealers, he said, stressing the need for undercover agents.

“Drug dealers don’t sell to cops (in uniform)” he said.

At a recent methamphetamine lab lecture in Winesburg, detective Sgt. Roger Sprowl of the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office said five clandestine meth labs were found in Holmes County in the last two years, but there are many more still in operation.

“The stuff is here in Holmes County. We’ve (found) five (labs) and I can take you to where there are five more,” Sprowl said. “They’re everywhere ... For every one we get there are 20 out there we’re not getting.”

Sprowl is Holmes County’s only certified drug enforcement officer, and narcotics are only a part of his duties. He said if Holmes County had more drug officers, the number of meth labs busted would increase.

“We’ve been fortunate Medway has been able to assist us,” Millersburg Police Chief Tom Vaughn told the commissioners on Monday, adding Medway has supplied resources and equipment not available locally.

He said Holmes County becoming a Medway member would be a good marriage of law enforcement agencies and resources, “If we can get the support of the taxpayers.”

DeFelice estimates extending Medway’s jurisdiction into Holmes County will cost the program an additional $80,000 a year. At least two more undercover and surveillance personnel will need to be hired, he said.

“As a county, how can we turn our backs on this issue?” Commissioner Dave Hall asked.

“Drug distributors don’t know any boundaries,” Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Knowling added. “This is not something that we can hope will just go away, because it won’t.”

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail jledford@the-daily-record.com

Law enforcement agencies networking their information
July 28, 2004

WOOSTER - The sharing of information among law enforcement agencies helps hold offenders more accountable, and also serves to better ensure safety of officers.

That’s the focus of a new partnership between the Wayne County Adult Probation Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and area police departments, according to chief probation officer Cheryl Gerwig.

Binders with names, addresses, photos and special conditions applied to offenders sentenced to community control were distributed to the Sheriff’s Office, the Wooster, Orrville and Rittman police departments and Medway Drug Enforcement Agency.

Special conditions could include curfews, whether or not the offender is being electronically monitored, or people with whom the offender is prohibited from associating, according to Gerwig.

“Everyone looked at (the binder) initially and commented that they thought it was a good idea and helpful to them,” Capt. Don Edwards of the Wooster Police Department said. “If we see someone in a bar (who is prohibited from being in such an establishment), we can call his probation officer, and then they can deal with it.”

Officers responding to a domestic disturbance would be well served knowing a resident of the house was on community control for committing a violent crime, Gerwig said.

“This will give them a major heads-up,” she said. “They’re going to respond differently when they know they’re dealing with a felony offender.”

The extra knowledge could prompt officers to be more attentive to a situation than they ordinarily might be, sheriff’s Capt. Doug Hunter said.

The information also is a starting point for investigators looking for criminal suspects. Officers could benefit from knowing if an offender, previously convicted of burglary, lives in the area of a new string of burglaries, she said.

Community control, Gerwig said, is a means of helping to rehabilitate offenders into responsible law-abiding citizens, a goal better accomplished by having other agencies participate in monitoring their activity and holding them accountable.

Gerwig hopes to take the cooperative effort farther, using law enforcement agencies to back up probation officers making bar sweeps, curfew checks, random home checks, random drug and alcohol field tests, and while conducting fugitive surveillance.

Despite the new formalization of the partnership, the agencies have been working together for years.

“We’re fortunate in Wayne County we have a working relationship with the Sheriff’s Office, the police departments and this department,” she said.

Hunter said the binder is reviewed by officers during shift briefing. The information, especially the photos, is helpful, he said.

Officers routinely encounter offenders on community control, and while they may not be in violation of the law, they may be in violation of their sanctions, he said, explaining a driver may not be driving over the prohibited alcohol limit, but the fact he was drinking may be in violation of the special terms placed on his supervision.

While she anticipates the number of reported probation violations to increase in the early stages of the partnership, Gerwig said she is hopeful the numbers will drop as time passes - a sign offenders, aware of the increased supervision, will resist committing violations.

In cases where offenders violate the terms of the community control, Gerwig said, probation officers can impose additional sanctions to help curb the bad behavior or they can appeal to the court to have the community control revoked.

“Any time that two different groups get together and share information, everybody benefits,” Edwards said. “It’s good for us; it’s good for them. If someone is on the cusp of (committing a crime), but we don’t have enough to file additional criminal charge, they may be able to (pursue) a community control violation, and by doing that, we may have prevented him from committing another offense, like DUI or assault.”

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Alleged Orrville meth maker pleads not guilty
July 29, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - Four people pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges relating to the alleged operation of a methamphetamine lab in Orrville.

Charged in Wayne County Common Pleas Court with illegal manufacturing of drugs and three counts of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs is Michael R. Muth, 28, of 317 S. Walnut St., Orrville.

Russell Lee Morris, 18, of 619 Beaver St., Orrville; Orion F. Finnigan, 19, of 324 McGill St., Orrville, and Leah Hartzler, 19, of 5948 Canal Road, Wooster, are charged with one count each of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs.

Muth was first arrested June 16 when Medway Drug Enforcement agents went to his home after receiving information alleging it was the site of a working meth lab. Muth authorized a search of the residence, but withdrew his consent after officers found several tools and ingredients used for making of meth, according to Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Jocelyn Stefancin.

Officers, armed with a search warrant, discovered a full cooking lab. The lab was dismantled, and Muth was arrested, she said.

Two days later, the Orrville Police Department was called by a city store after a worker noticed three men purchasing items previously identified by law enforcement as ingredients used to make methamphetamine, Stefancin said.

Investigators, after looking at surveillance photos of the men and a vehicle, interviewed Morris, Finnigan and another man, yet to be charged, who said they had purchased the ingredients for Muth, who had just posted bond, she said.

Agents watching Muth saw him in Massillon purchasing more chemicals used to make the illegal drug. After returning to the county, the vehicle he was traveling in was stopped for a traffic violation and officers seized components and ingredients used in the manufacturing process, according to Stefancin.

Arrested again were Muth, and two passengers - one juvenile and Hartzler, the owner of the vehicle.

If convicted, Muth faces a maximum sentence of 23 years in prison and fines of $45,000.

Morris, Finnigan and Hartzler each face sentences of five years in prison and $10,000 fines.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com.

Judge upholds meth lab search warrant
August 14, 2004
By JOSEPH LEDFORD
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - A Millersburg man, accused of operating a methamphetamine lab in his home, had his motion to suppress the results of a search warrant denied in Holmes County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.

Kyle V. Menuez, 32, of 1043 Wooster Road, was indicted by a Holmes County grand jury on May 12 on charges of illegal manufacturing of drugs and aggravated possession of drugs, both second-degree felonies, and illegal assembly of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs, a third-degree felony, according to court records.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During a search of Menuez’s home on May 6, officers of the Millersburg Police Department, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Medway Drug Enforcement Agency located almost 70 grams of suspected methamphetamine, security equipment and firearms.

Police Chief S. Thomas Vaughn said at the time of his arrest, Menuez was preparing materials to cook into meth.

According to court documents, an informant reported a meth lab in production in Millersburg on May 5.

The informant agreed to meet Menuez, obtain meth from him at his residence and deliver it to law enforcement officials.

The informant met with law enforcement officials on May 6 and was searched for drugs before being sent into Menuez’s residence with medication used in the meth-making process.

The documents state the informant was observed driving to Menuez’ residence in a vehicle supplied by law enforcement officials and entered the house at 8:20 a.m.

At 9:05 a.m., the informant left the house under surveillance, met with law enforcement officials and had a small quantity of meth in a plastic bag hidden in his trousers.

Posing as utility repairmen, police made contact with Menuez, asked him to step outside and executed a warrantless arrest and warrantless protective sweep of the home, securing the site.

A search warrant was sought and granted by County Court Judge Jane Irving, according to the court documents.

In the motion, Menuez argues his warrantless arrests and the warrantless protective sweep of the house affected the validity of the search warrant. He questions whether Irving had probable cause to issue the warrant.

Common Pleas Judge Thomas D. White ruled Tuesday it was “entirely reasonable for Judge Irving to conclude that when the informant entered the residence without methamphetamine and exited the defendant’s residence with methamphetamine that (the drug) was present in the defendant’s residence.”

He declared there was no evidence police obtained statements or other evidences from the warrantless arrest or sweep that contributed to the issuance of the warrant.

A pretrial conference has been scheduled for Aug. 27 at 9 a.m.

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or jledford@the-daily-record.com. 

Illinois man sentenced for role in drug ring
August 18, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - An Illinois man on Tuesday was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a drug ring that officials claim was a major source of cocaine in the county.

Hector M. Belmontes, 30, of Rockford, previously pleaded guilty in Wayne County Common Pleas Court to conspiracy to traffic in drugs.

In court, defense attorney Norman “Bing” Miller characterized Belmontes’ role in the ring as that of “mule,” or courier.

Belmontes, who had no prior record and expressed remorse for his actions, was sentenced to a year more than the mandatory minimum. Judge Robert J. Brown noted the evidence supported Miller’s summary.

“He appears to have fallen in with the wrong people,” Brown said. “He came to the United States looking for an opportunity and fell into the wrong crowd.”

But, Brown said, he could not overlook the large amounts of drugs seized in the wake of Belmontes’ arrest in February.

In handing out a prison sentence, Brown said, he hopes to send a message.

“We want people in the community to know that Medway and the police are actively investigating and prosecuting drug dealers,” Brown said. “And, although we can’t completely eradicate it, people will punished, especially when the drug is cocaine.

“Hopefully this puts a dent in the drug trade in this county,” Brown said.

Medway Drug Enforcement Agency director Chuck DeFelice said he is pleased with the sentence.

“I’m happy to see that he got prison time,” DeFelice said. “When they serve prison time for three years it makes someone think twice about coming into a community and setting up to sell drugs. That’s what we need to see - penalties that deter the trafficking.”

His comments were echoed by Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor John Williams.

“I think the court is taking seriously the type of drug trafficking that was involved here, coming in from quite a distance. It shows there is an inroad of drugs from major metropolitan areas and that (if) we find it, we’ll stop it. At all stages, it’s taken seriously,” Williams said.

Upon release from prison, Belmontes, a Mexican national, faces deportation, Brown said.

The cases against Belmontes’ three accused co-conspirators are pending in Wayne County Common Pleas Court.

Scheduled to appear for a jury trial today is Luis Ramirez Vargas, 46, of 395 W. Main St., who is charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic drugs and possession of cocaine. He faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison and $31,000 in fines.

Also facing charges are Gabriel G. Cuevas, 19, of 8193 E. Lincoln Way, charged with two counts of trafficking in marijuana, three counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to traffic drugs; and Bernardino Galvan, 19, of 395 W. Main St., who is charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic drugs and obstructing official business.

If convicted, Cuevas faces a maximum sentence of 56 years in prison and fines totaling $110,000. Galvan faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison and $30,000 in fines.

All the charges stem from incidents occurring between Feb. 4 and 23.

The operation began with the arrest of Belmontes, who, en route to Chicago, was stopped while driving near Dalton, according to DeFelice. His arrest led to the simultaneous execution of no-knock search warrants at Cuevas’ and Galvan’s residences.

The search warrants and arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation into large amounts of cocaine and marijuana coming into Wayne County, DeFelice said, adding law enforcement officers have been aware of a supply coming into Apple Creek for the past year.

During the search warrant, officers seized 1/2 kilogram of cocaine, six vehicles and two guns and ammunition. They also recovered about $10,000 cash. During the course of the investigation, DeFelice said, a total of 1 1/2 kilos of cocaine and several pounds of marijuana were seized.

Total street value of the seized drugs, he said, is more than $150,000.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Hidden room found during a drug raid Thursday
August 20, 2005
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

EAST UNION TWP. - When the SWAT team burst through the door of a Secrest Road mobile home early Thursday morning, the occupants had little time to try to escape to a hidden room.

Arrested during the 1 a.m. raid was resident Danny Stowers, 44, of 4989 Secrest Road. He was charged in Wayne County Municipal Court with possession of crack cocaine, a fourth-degree felony.

Execution of the no-knock search was prompted by numerous complaints and intelligence of drug activity at the residence, said Medway Drug Enforcement Agency Director Chuck DeFelice, adding because it is believed guns were exchanged for drugs, there was a fear of firearms in the residence, presenting a possible danger to officers.

Seven people, including Stowers, were found inside the residence and in a shed, DeFelice said. In addition to Stowers, three others were arrested on outstanding warrants.

Because officers - 12 from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and four Medway agents - did not knock, Stowers was caught before he could reach a secret door in the floor of a bedroom closet. The door led to a dirt room, measuring about 8- by 6-feet, under the mobile home. The room was lighted and filled with places to sit and food, DeFelice said.

“According to our intelligence, that’s where they hid people when officers would go there to serve warrants,” DeFelice said, adding that the entry to the room, which could be locked from the inside, was undetectable.

“You could stand there, and you could not tell there was a door there,” he said of the carpet-covered, hinged door in the floor.

Inside the residence, officers found a small amount of marijuana, almost four grams of crack cocaine, a variety of drug paraphernalia and about $300 cash, DeFelice said. Some of the drugs were packaged in smaller, street-sale amounts. No firearms were found in the search.

“This place was one of the more active places in the county for trafficking,” DeFelice said. “It was toward top of list as far as complaints and intelligence.”

The case will be presented to a Wayne County grand jury and additional charges are expected, DeFelice said.

If convicted of possession, Stowers faces a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Man pleads guilty for part in drug ring
August 21, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - An Apple Creek man accused of heading in a major drug ring supplying cocaine to Wayne.

Gabriel Gutierrez Cuevas, 20, of 8193 E. Lincoln Way, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in marijuana, three counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to traffic drugs.

Cuevas’ plea will facilitate forfeiture of six vehicles and nearly $2,000 seized in connection with his arrest, according to the court.

Sentencing has yet to be scheduled. Cuevas faces a maximum sentence of 49 1/2 years in prison and fines.

A co-defendant, Luis Ramirez Vargas, 46, of 395 W. Main St., pleaded guilty on Wednesday to possession of cocaine. In exchange for his plea, related charges of trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic drugs were dismissed.

Vargas faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

On Tuesday, Hector M. Belmontes, 30, of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in drugs for his role in the drug ring.

Another accused co-conspirator, Bernardino Galvan, 19, of 395 W. Main St., has pleaded not guilty trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic drugs and obstructing official business. His next scheduled court hearing is Wednesday. Galvan faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison and $30,000 in fines.

All the charges stem from incidents occurring between Feb. 4 and 23.

The operation began with the arrest of Belmontes, who, en route to Chicago, was stopped while driving near Dalton, according to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency director Chuck DeFelice. Belmontes’ arrest led to the simultaneous execution of no-knock search warrants at Cuevas’ and Galvan’s residences.

The search warrants and arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation into large amounts of cocaine and marijuana coming into Wayne County, DeFelice said, adding law enforcement officers have been aware of a supply coming into Apple Creek for the past year.

During the search warrant, officers seized 1/2 kilogram of cocaine, six vehicles and two guns and ammunition. They also recovered about $10,000 cash. During the course of the investigation, DeFelice said, a total of 1 1/2 kilos of cocaine and several pounds of marijuana were seized.

Total street value of the seized drugs, he said, is more than $150,000.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com.

Agencies arrest 18 in Wooster raids
August 22, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - A Friday night roundup of accused drug dealers resulted in 18 arrests.

The Medway Drug Enforcement Agency, assisted by officers from 12 other agencies, searched two residences in the city after a Wayne County grand jury indicted 31 people accused of drug activity.

While searching 422 1/2 W. Larwill St., officers arrested a man who fled into an adjacent apartment. He was found in possession of a duffle bag containing cocaine and crack. Charges are pending.

Located in the basement of the residence was a safe containing nearly $1,200 cash. Officers found close to 800 rounds of ammunition for an assault rifle. No weapon was recovered.

Also arrested at the residence was Kinda Phaphouvanink, 20, of 823 Spruce St. resulted in the arrest of Kevin G. Speegle, 36, of the residence, who was wanted on an indictment charging him with trafficking in cocaine. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia was seized at Speegle’s residence.

Jermaine L. Steele, 20, of 502 Washington St., Wooster, attempted to flee out a window of a residence in the 700 block of McKinley Street, where officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant, according to Wooster Police Lt. Steve Glick. He was caught and arrested, along with Justin T. Davis, 20, of 3328 Mechanicsburg Road, Wooster, who is charged with trafficking in marijuana.

With consent, officers searched the residence where they found crack cocaine and marijuana packaged for sale.

Yumane S. Mosley, 25, of 331 Bardon St., Wooster, charged with one count of trafficking in crack cocaine, was arrested when she showed up during the search. Arrested nearby was Ellis L. Ray, 25, of 513 Washington St., Wooster, charged with two counts of trafficking in marijuana. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and fines of $5,000.

Mosley, Steele and Davis each face maximum sentences of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Friday’s nights activities were the result of seven months of undercover investigation. Action began on Thursday with a search at 557 W. Larwill St., said Medway director Chuck DeFelice. Recovered in the search was a small amount of crack and drug money.

Arrested on Friday on indictments handed down, due in part to that search, were the home’s residents, Ra Aku Ensehusih, also known as Laverne Jackson, 45, charged with two counts of trafficking crack cocaine and one count of possession of crack cocaine; and Melissa S. McIntire, 25, charged with one count of permitting drug abuse.

Ensehusih faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison and fines of $11,000. McIntire faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

“The majority of the activity was concentrated on the south side of Wooster,” DeFelice said, adding focus on the area “was primarily a result of reports of suspicious drug activity from neighbors fed up from drug activity going on.”

Because crack houses and dealers are constantly on the move, he said, his agency relies heavily on tips from the public.

The indictments represent a broad spectrum of drug dealers and users, ranging from people who deal to finance their own drug habits to others who are a source for drugs originating from larger communities like Cleveland, Akron and Mansfield, DeFelice said.

“There are law-abiding people out there who are tired of the drug activity,” he said. “If (offenders) don’t want to respond to court-ordered rehabilitation, they have to be taken out of the community, they have to be put away. There is no other alternative. But the first step is to try to get them off the drugs.”

Many of those indicted are repeat offenders, he said, questioning how much a community is supposed to accept in the way of drug activity and related criminal acts.

“Supply and demand is the bottom line,” he said. “As long as there’s a demand for it, somebody’s going to supply it. Our job is to take care of who’s supplying, and get the users into the system. Whether their punishment is (incarceration) or rehab, that is up to the courts to decide, and I respect that.”

Arrested on charges for which they face maximum sentences of five years in prison and $10,000 fines were:

- Pierre E. Wai, 57, of 619 E. Henry St., Wooster, charged with one count of trafficking cocaine. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

- Patricia A. Bucklew, 54, of 422 1/2 N. Buckeye St., Wooster, charged with one count of trafficking methadone.

Arrested on charges for which they face maximum sentences of four years in prison and $11,000 fines were:

- Cornell W. Witherspoon, 39, of 403 W. Larwill St., Wooster, charged with three counts of trafficking crack cocaine.

Arrested on charges for which they face maximum sentences of three years in prison and $10,000 fines were:

- Chester D. Deringer, 25, of 9029 S. Carr Road, Fredericksburg, charged with two counts of trafficking crack cocaine.

- Jason A. Brady, 20, of 302 Spink St., Wooster, charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine.

- Michael S. Lucas Jr., 19, of 1714 Normandy Drive, Wooster, charged with two counts of trafficking crack cocaine.

Arrested on charges for which they face maximum sentences of one year in prison and $2,500 fines were:

- Patricia L. Ralston, 42, of 422 1/2 N. Buckeye St., Wooster, charged with one count of trafficking in crack cocaine.

- Rodney L. Bolen, 21, of 454 W. North St., Wooster, charged with one count of trafficking crack cocaine.

- Krystal L. Wholford, 19, of 454 W. North St., Wooster, charged with one count of trafficking crack cocaine.

An inmate at the Wayne County Jail, Victoria L. Troyer, 41, of 105 Wadsworth Road, Lot 35, Orrville, was served with an indictment charging her with three counts of trafficking crack cocaine. She faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and fines totaling $7,500.

Sheriff Thomas G. Maurer said the efforts are a tribute to the work of Medway and its task force, made up of members of law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

“The constant pressure of law enforcement will continue to be there,” Maurer said, adding he was grateful no law enforcement officers or civilians were injured.

“I think it was one of the most successful roundups we’ve had,” Glick said. “We have accounted for more than half of the suspects, and we got a fair amount of cash and drugs off the street.

“It’s amazing what people will do and the extremes they will go to feed that (crack) habit,” he said.

Because several of the cases were prompted from citizen complaints, Glick encouraged residents to continue to call to law enforcement or the Turn-In-A-Pusher hotline at (330) 262-0363.

Officers continue to search for 13 people wanted on indictments stemming from alleged drug offenses.

Participating in the roundup were 36 officers from Medway, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Investigative Unit, the Adult Parole Authority, and Wooster, Apple Creek, Creston, Ohio State University, Wadsworth, Doylestown, Dayton and Orrville police departments.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Apple Creek man pleads guilty to role in drug ring
August 26, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - An Apple Creek man on Wednesday admitted to his role in a drug ring, which officials say was a major source of cocaine in the area.

Bernadino Casteneda Galvan, 19, of to trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic drugs. A related charge of obstructing official business was dismissed in exchange for his plea.

Originally facing up to 16 years in prison, Galvan now may only be sentenced to 13 years in prison.

However, “after reviewing all the facts in each of the related cases, it appears (Galvan) was one of the less culpable defendants and was not the principle offender,” said Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor John Wil­liams, explaining the state’s willingness to a joint sentencing recommendation of a four-year maximum.

Last week, ringleader Gabriel Gutierrez Cuevas, 20, of 8193 E. Lincoln Way, Apple Creek, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in marijuana, three counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to traffic drugs.

Cuevas’ plea will facilitate forfeiture of six vehicles and nearly $2,000 seized in connection with his arrest, according to the court.

A co-defendant, Luis Ramirez Vargas, 46, of 395 W. Main St., Apple Creek, pleaded guilty on Aug. 18 to possession of cocaine. In exchange for his plea, related charges of trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic drugs were dismissed.

Vargas faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Cuevas faces a maximum sentence of 36 years in prison and fines.

Sentencing for Cuevas and Vargas is scheduled for Oct. 8. Galvan’s sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.

On Aug. 17, Hector M. Belmontes, 30, of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in drugs for his role in the drug ring.

All the charges stem from incidents occurring between Feb. 4 and 23.

The operation began with the arrest of Belmontes, who, en route to Chicago, was stopped while driving near Dalton, according to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency director Chuck DeFelice. Belmontes’ arrest led to the simultaneous execution of no-knock search warrants at Cuevas’ and Galvan’s residences.

The search warrants and arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation into large amounts of cocaine and marijuana coming into Wayne County, DeFelice said, adding law enforcement officers have been aware of a supply coming into Apple Creek for the past year.

During the search warrant, officers seized 1/2 kilogram of cocaine, six vehicles and two guns and ammunition. They also recovered about $10,000 cash. During the course of the investigation, DeFelice said, a total of 1 1/2 kilos of cocaine and several pounds of marijuana were seized.

Total street value of the seized drugs, he said, is more than $150,000.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Pleas entered following weekend drug busts
August 27, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - Eighteen people, many of whom were arrested in a weekend roundup of accused drug dealers, appeared in Wayne County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.

The weekend’s activities were the result of seven months of undercover investigation, primarily in Wooster, according to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency Director Chuck DeFelice.

Indicted following the Aug. 19 search of his home at of , Wooster, pleaded not guilty to one count of trafficking methadone. If convicted, Bucklew faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and fines totaling $10,000.

- Patricia L. Brenneman-Ralston, 42, of 422 1/2 N. Buckeye St., Wooster, pleaded not guilty to one count of trafficking in crack cocaine. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentences of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

- Krystal L. Wohlford, 19, of 454 W. North St.619 E. Henry St., , Wooster, pleaded not guilty to trafficking in marijuana. If convicted, Davis faces a maximum sentences of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

- Jermaine L. Steele, 20, of 513 Washington St., 983 Carriage Lane, , Wooster, pleaded not guilty to trafficking in crack cocaine. If convicted, Jarvis faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com.

Search for drugs leads to arrest of 25-year-old woman
September 5, 2004
By LINDA HALL
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - For the second time in a month a home located at 557 West Larwill St. in Wooster was the subject of a search, leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old woman.

Informed that suspicious activity was once again taking place there, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency agents and the Wooster Police Department officers served a search warrant issued by Judge Robert Brown of the at about 1:40 p.m. Friday, according to a police department release.

A 25-year-old resident of the home was arrested for possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia, the release said, adding “an undetermined amount of cocaine, crack cocaine, five smoking devices or ‘stems,’ and a small amount of marijuana was seized during the raid.”

“We also seized about $300 in cash,” Lt. Steve Glick said Saturday afternoon.

Officers “did not have anything to hold (three other people in the home at the time the warrant was served) or arrest them on,” Glick said. All three were released, but the investigation is continuing.

The Wayne County Municipal Prosecutor’s Office will review the case on Tuesday and issue formal charges, Glick said.

“We (also) raided the house on the 12th of August,” Glick said, “which was part of an investigation leading to indictments that we served on Aug. 20.”

Subsequently, MEDWAY and the Wooster police “began receiving complaints (suspicious) activity had started again at that address,” Glick said, noting officers also observed activity.

Because of information “from a little bit of everybody,” MEDWAY had probable cause to issue another search warrant, Glick said.

In the drug roundup carried out in August, a result of seven months of undercover investigation, a search of the West Larwill Street residence yielded a a small amount of crack and drug money, MEDWAY director Chuck DeFelice said at the time.

Arrested in indictments handed down on Aug. 20, in part due to the search, were the home’s residents, Ra Aku Ensehusih, also known as Laverne Jackson, 45, charged with two counts of trafficking crack cocaine and one count of possession of crack cocaine; and Melissa S. McIntire, 25, charged with one count of permitting drug abuse.

Jackson remains in jail, Glick said. “He has not been released on the bond on the indictment.” His bond is set at $2,500; McIntire was previously released on bond.

DeFelice could not be reached for comment Saturday about Friday’s drug roundup.

Glick called the latest search “an indication we are alert to what is going on. “If something is going on in your neighborhood that you find odd or suspicious, pick up the phone and call us,” Glick said.

Reporter Linda Hall can be reached at (330) 264-1125, Ext. 230, or e-mail lhall@the-daily-record.com.

Traffic stop, concerned relative lead to two charged for drug offenses
September 8, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - A traffic stop of a man who was driving left of center on Franchester Road led to the arrest of a Wooster man on drug-related charges.

Quincy E. Kay, 38, of 3242 Lincoln Way East, Apt. 5, Wooster, is charged with a felony count of possession of marijuana after the Friday incident.

At the traffic stop, a drug-detecting dog alerted deputies to the presence of illicit drugs. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of three 1-pound bags of marijuana, according to Capt. Doug Hunter of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation led deputies to Kay’s residence where, after obtaining the search warrant, investigators, joined by agents from the Medway Drug En­forcement Agency, recovered an additional 12 pounds of marijuana.

The drugs were scattered throughout the apartment, packaged in smaller amounts, likely ready for sale, Hunter said. Found near some of the marijuana hidden in a closet was a 9 mm handgun.

On Saturday, deputies were called to 13229 N. Mount Eaton Road, Doylestown, in response to a complaint of a domestic dispute.

The caller, Christine Zachwieja, 39, of the residence, was arrested after her nephew told deputies she had a large amount of powdered cocaine and several other illegal drugs, Hunter said.

Deputies recovered 1 ounce of powdered cocaine, located in a gun safe also containing a .38-caliber revolver, he said.

Also found in the house was a small amount of heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and drug paraphernalia.

Assisting in the search were Medway agents and a Doyles­town Police officer.

Zachwieja was charged with possession of crack cocaine.

“In the case of the traffic stop, fortunately the deputy with the K-9 performed the stop, and it shows the value of a well-trained drug-detecting dog,” he said. “We would have been pleased with confiscating the initial 3 pounds on the traffic stop, as that is a significant amount on its own; however, the officers, by taking a step forward, recovered a larger amount destined for sale on the streets of Wayne County.

“In the Doylestown case, we had a family member who was concerned for the welfare of the children in the house and took the initiative to ... provide the information necessary to obtain a search warrant,” Hunter said.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Drugs, guns found during raid at Emalene residence
September 10, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - Drugs and guns were recovered during a Wednesday night raid on a Wooster residence.

The search of 5235 Emalene Drive was the culmination of a four-month investigation, according to the Wooster Police Department, which worked with the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

About 2 pounds of marijuana, two semi-automatic handguns, drug paraphernalia and $855 cash was found in the house, according to Police Lt. Steve Glick, noting the marijuana was found in bulk packaging.

“This amount definitely was not for personal use; they were using and dealing,” Medway senior agent Chuck Ellis said.

Charges are expected to be filed against three of nine people who were at the house, according to Glick. Among those are the home’s residents, one of whom is a Millersburg native.

A 19-year-old Shreve woman was arrested for obstructing official business because she was not cooperative with an officer when asked to provide her name. Charges are pending.

Combined with the Sept. 3 arrest of Quincy E. Kay, 38, of 3242 Lincoln Way East, Apt. 5, Wooster, who is charged with a felony count of possession of marijuana, officers have “taken nearly 20 pounds of marijuana off the streets in a week,” Glick said.

“I think we’re making attempts to hit crack cocaine, but we’re not forgetting the marijuana that is out there in quantities,” he said. “This was brought to attention by a citizen. It took awhile, but we were able to act on it. We’re not ignoring the other drugs that are available, including marijuana.”

Between the two incidents, Ellis said, the amount of drugs seized will have a major impact in Wayne “I think people get the mindset that drugs are in certain neighborhoods or areas of the city, but we’ve taken dealers down in just about every geographical area of the city,” Glick said. “It’s not just one demographic group that are dealers and definitely not one demographic group using. Users range from the very poor to the very rich.”

To report suspected drug activity, residents can call law enforcement or the Turn-In-A-Pusher hotline at (330) 262-0363.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Muth pleads to making meth at Orrville home
September 21, 2004 
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - An Orrville man will spend a minimum of two years in prison after admitting he operated a methamphetamine lab in Orrville.

Michael R. Muth, 28, of 317 S. Walnut St., pleaded guilty in on Monday to illegal manufacturing of drugs and two counts of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs. A third charge of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs was dismissed in exchange for his guilty plea.

Muth was arrested June 16 when Medway Drug Enforcement Agency agents searched his home, with Muth’s permission, and found tools and ingredients used in meth making. Muth told agents to stop their search when they found the tools; they returned later with a search warrant and discovered a full cooking lab, Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Jocelyn Stefancin said.

Two days later, the Orrville Police Department was called by a store worker who said three men purchased items identified by law enforcement as ingredients used to make methamphetamine, Stefancin said.

Investigators interviewed Russell Lee Morris, 18, of 324 McGill St., Orrville, and another man, yet to be charged, who said they had purchased the ingredients for Muth, who had just posted bond, she said.

Agents saw Muth in Massillon purchasing more meth chemicals. The vehicle he was traveling in was stopped for a traffic violation and officers seized components and ingredients used in the manufacturing process, according to Stefancin.

Muth and two passengers - a juvenile and Leah Hartzler, 19, of

Millersburg man faces prison, fine after pleading guilty to making meth
September 30, 2004
By JOSEPH LEDFORD
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - A Millersburg man charged with making methamphetamine in his home changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday in Holmes County Common Pleas Court.

Kyle V. Menuez, 33, of 1043 Wooster Road, was indicted by a Holmes County grand jury on May 12 on charges of illegal manufacturing of drugs and aggravated possession of drugs, both second-degree felonies, and illegal assembly of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs, a third-degree felony.

In a plea agreement, Menuez pleaded guilty to the first count of illegal manufacturing of drugs and the state dismissed the remaining charges.

Menuez faces a maximum fine of $15,000 and eight years in prison.

Judge Thomas D. White scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.

During a search of Menuez’s home on May 6, Millersburg Police officers, Holmes County Sheriff’s deputies and Medway Drug Enforcement Agency investigators located almost 70 grams of methamphetamine, security equipment and firearms.

Chief S. Thomas Vaughn reports Menuez was preparing materials to cook into meth at the time of his arrest.

According to court documents, an informant reported a meth lab in production in Millersburg on May 5.

The informant agreed to meet Menuez, obtain meth from him at his residence and deliver it to law enforcement officials.

The informant met with law enforcement officials on May 6 and was searched for drugs before being sent in to Menuez’s residence with medication used in the meth-making process.

The documents state the informant was observed driving to Menuez’s residence in a vehicle supplied by law enforcement officials and entered the house at 8:20 a.m.

At 9:05 a.m., the informant left the house under surveillance, met with law enforcement officials and had a small quantity of meth in a plastic bag hidden in his trousers.

Posing as utility repairmen, police made contact with Menuez, asked him to step outside and executed a warrantless arrest and warrantless protective sweep of the home, securing the site.

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail jledford@the-daily-record.com. 

Holmes Commissioners support levy for Medway
October 2, 2004
By ERIC JOHNSON
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - County commissioners have approved a resolution in support of the county’s Nov. 2 ballot request for a 0.25-mill continuing levy to generate funds to contract with the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Any and all funds collected ... shall first be applied to contracting with a multi-jurisdiction drug enforcement agency,” the resolution approved Monday said. “The funds collected from this levy shall not in any way affect the current and future status of the Holmes County Sheriff’s (Office) budget.”

The resolution goes on to note, “based on current and future tax valuation and collections ... each political subdivision ... which provides primary law enforcement protection, shall receive any excess funds ... after Holmes County’s financial obligation has been met with the drug enforcement agency.”

It also notes Millersburg is the only county village providing primary police protection, with the Sheriff’s Office as “primary police protection for all other political subdivisions.”

A Sept. 3 breakdown of anticipated tax collections from the proposed levy­ estimates $12,573 being raised in Millersburg and $155,107 in the rest of the county, for total of $167,680.

The amount is $96,544 more than a 1988 Medway levy request, which was budgeted for a total of $71,136, including $5,996 from Millersburg and $65,140 from the rest of the county.

In other action Monday, commissioners:

- Approved a $6,825 change order for Kokosing Construction Co.’s Holmes County Trail buggy/bike path paving project, for patching concrete structures on two bridges. After two change orders, the original $2.434 million project contract now stands at $2.418 million.

- Approved an amended Prevention, Retention and Contingency Plan for the Holmes County Department of Job & Family Services, to include appendices dealing with pre-pregnancy planning services and with child welfare: family preservation and reunification services.

- Approved and signed the plat map for the replat and renumbering of lots 2 and 3 in developer Jesse Miller’s Black Hawk Subdivision, in Walnut Creek Township southwest of the intersection of County Road 144 and Township Road 422.

The lots have been replatted and renumbered as 20, which is 1.881 acres; 21, which is 2.173 acres; and 22, which is 8.146 acres.

Reporter Eric Johnson can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail ejohnson@the-daily-record.com. 

Holmes sees need for Medway as drug activity grows
October 6, 2004
By JOSEPH LEDFORD
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - In July, the Holmes County commissioners passed a resolution to place a 0.25-mill tax levy, proposed and supported by Sheriff Timothy Zimmerly and Millersburg Police Chief Thomas Vaughn, on the Nov. 2 ballot. The funds would support participation as a full-member county in the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency.

The levy would cost a taxpayer with a $100,000 home about $8 a year, Commissioner Joe Miller said.

Founded in 1974, Medway, which serves Wayne and Medina counties, is one of the oldest drug task forces in the state.

It provides undercover personnel and high-tech surveillance equipment to law enforcement agencies that would otherwise not have the resources to investigate drug activity.

“It gives them access,” Medway Director Charles DeFelice said. “It’s more or less drawing from a pool of manpower and finances,” he said.

In 2003, Medway served 67 search warrants, uncovered 319 drug violations and was responsible for charging 190 criminal defendants, according to DeFelice.

“The number of arrests grows every year - steadily,” he said.

DeFelice, who served 15 years with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, said he has seen the amount of drug activity in the county rise as the area has grown in population.

He said although Holmes County is a rural area, it has all the drug problems other communities have, just in smaller amounts.

“It has to be contained,” he said. “You have to keep it in check.”

Medway has provided informal assistance to Holmes County, investigating only drug activity that has ties to Wayne County. The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office has one certified drug enforcement officer, detective Sgt. Roger Sprowl, and narcotics are only a part of his duties.

“Obviously I am only able to work (narcotics) part time and it doesn’t get the attention needed,” Sprowl said. “Full-time drug enforcement is better, obviously.”

Sprowl said there have been five methamphetamine labs discovered in Holmes County in the last two years while Wayne “I’m sure we have enough down here to have numbers like that,” he said, adding the area also has problems with cocaine, marijuana and LSD.

“Holmes County does what they can, but without undercover investigation, you only get the surface of (drug activity),” DeFelice said. “You don’t get the source.”

The funds generated by the 0.25-mill levy will go toward the purchase of vehicles, equipment and additional manpower for Medway investigations in Holmes County and also to hire and equip another road patrol officer.

DeFelice reports Wayne and Medina counties have 0.25-mill levies paying for their involvement in the program and estimates extending Medway’s jurisdiction into Holmes County will cost an additional $70,000 to $80,000 per year.

DeFelice said, with drugs also come crimes related to drug activity such as theft and the passing of bad checks.

He also said steps need to be taken to protect children from dealers.

“Their main goal is to get as many people (addicted) and buying from them as they can,” he said. “It’s time that action gets taken before things get so out of hand that there is no going back.”

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail jledford@the-daily-record.com. 

Law enforcement, emergency workers support funding for Medway in Holmes County
October 7, 2004
By JOSEPH LEDFORD
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - Both as a citizen and as an emergency caregiver, the Rev. Dan Kirtlan of Nashville said he believes Holmes County needs to support the 0.25-mill tax levy in November.
The money would provide funds for the county’s inclusion in the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency.

“As a paramedic, I see an increase in drug use,” said Kirtlan, a member of Concerned Citizens for a Drug Free Holmes County. “We as a society need to take a stand and protect our children ... we need the expertise of Medway to help our own law enforcement be all it can be.”

“None of us want more taxes,” Kirtlan added, saying it was time to “bite the bullet” to protect Holmes County’s peaceful and safe way of life.

“This levy is awfully small compared to other tax levies,” he said.

The levy would help purchase vehicles, equipment and additional manpower for Medway investigations in Holmes County and will go toward hiring and equipping another road patrol officer.

The levy would cost a taxpayer with a $100,000 home about $8 a year.

“We need Medway in Holmes County to help law enforcement better deal with the increase in drug activities,” Millersburg Police Chief Tom Vaughn said.

“The thing to keep in mind is that it isn’t just drugs, but all the related crimes it brings with it,” he said. “We can show a direct effect to other crimes such as thefts from vehicles, breaking and entering as well as passing bad or forged checks. Crime in general increases with increased drug activity.”

A retired insurance agent and member of CCDFH, Wayne McDowell of Millersburg said he knows of farmers who have had their property damaged and stolen by individuals looking for ingredients to make methamphetamine, a central nervous system drug that is made when ephedrine or pseudoephedrine is extracted from cold medicines using solvents like Acetone and cooked with other household chemicals.

Kirtlan said meth labs are easy to set up in homes and extremely dangerous because of the unstable chemicals used to make the drug. He said residents often don’t know a lab is in operation until the “drug element” moves into the area or there is an explosion.

“No matter where you live in the community, it’s ... It’s not the atmosphere I grew up in,” McDowell said.

“Our major difficulty is not having undercover agents available to us at a more local level,” Vaughn said.

“It is difficult to work drugs without a dedicated staff. We currently work with the sheriff’s office but neither of our agencies have the resources to make a significant impact into the drug problem in the county. ... We are currently 413 calls for service and 65 major offenses ahead of last year to date,” he said.

Kirtlan said voters should not be confused when they do not see the name “Medway” on the Nov. 2 ballot.

The issue is worded as follows: “An additional tax for the benefit of Holmes County for the purpose of providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, equipment and personnel directly for the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office. ...”

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail jledford@the-daily-record.com. 

Cocaine drug ring members sentenced to prison
October 9, 2004 
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - Two Apple Creek men who were part of a major cocaine-supplying drug ring in Wayne County were sentenced to prison on Friday.

Gabriel Gutierrez Cuevas, 20, of 8193 E. Lincoln Way, who pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in marijuana, three counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to traffic drugs, was sentenced by Wayne County Common Pleas Judge Robert J. Brown to six years in prison.

He was fined $10,000.

In considering an appropriate sentence, Brown said, “the quantity (of drugs) involved was substantial.”

Cuevas forfeited six vehicles and $1,200 that were seized at his arrest, according to the court.

A codefendant, Luis Ramirez Vargas, 46, of 395 W. Main St., who pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, was sentenced to one year in prison.

Previously, Hector M. Belmontes, 31, of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in drugs for his role in the drug ring.

Bernardino Galvan, 19, of 395 W. Main St., pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic drugs. He is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday. Galvan faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison.

All the charges stem from incidents occurring between Feb. 4 and 23.

Breaking up the operation began with the arrest of Belmontes, who, en route to Chicago, was stopped near Dalton, according to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency Director Chuck DeFelice. Belmontes’ arrest led to the searches at Cuevas’ and Galvan’s residences.

DeFelice said law enforcement officers have been aware of a drug supply coming into Apple Creek for the past year.

During the search, officers seized 1/2 kilogram of cocaine, six vehicles and two guns and ammunition. They also found about $10,000 cash. DeFelice said 1 1/2 kilos of cocaine and several pounds of marijuana were seized throughout the entire investigation.

Total street value of the drugs, he said, is more than $150,000.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com.­

Last in string of drug defendants gets prison
October 14, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - The last of four men involved in a drug ring investigators say was a major source of cocaine to Wayne County was sentenced on Wednesday to three years in prison.

Bernardino Galvan, 19, of 395 W. Main St., Apple Creek, had pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic drugs.

Galvan, according to public defender Beverly Wire, was the youngest of the cohorts, and had only attained the equivalent of a third-grade education in Mexico. She said Galvan indicated that after coming to the United States drug activity “presented itself as a way to make money.”

However, given the quantity of drugs involved, Wayne County Common Pleas Judge Robert J. Brown said he was bound to sentence Galvan to more than a two-year mandatory minimum.

“We have been noticing the influx of powder cocaine (in Wayne County) for over a year,” Medway Drug Enforcement Agency Director Charles DeFelice said.

The drug ring operated by the four men, according to DeFelice, was one of the largest he’s seen in Wayne County. DeFelice said he suspects much of the powdered cocaine was made into crack, which is “more economical for the dealers.”

In light of the men’s prosecution and imprisonment, DeFelice said, “We’re definitely going to see movement to (dealers) trying to establish other sources.”

But, he said, Brown’s imposition of prison sentences ranging from one to six years means “sources are going to think twice before coming (Wayne County). (Drug activity) is not going to be unnoticed, and will be investigated,” DeFelice said.

On Friday, the ring leader, Gabriel Gutierrez Cuevas, 20, of 8193 E. Lincoln Way, Apple Creek, who pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in marijuana, three counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to traffic drugs, was sentenced to six years in prison.

He was fined $10,000 and agreed to forfeit six vehicles and $1,200 that were seized at his arrest, according to the court.

Also Friday, Luis Ramirez Vargas, 46, of 395 W. Main St., Apple Creek, who pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, was sentenced to one year in prison.

Previously, Hector M. Belmontes, 31, of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in drugs for his role in the drug ring.

All the charges stem from incidents occurring between Feb. 4 and 23.

The operation began with the arrest of Belmontes, who, en route to Chicago, was stopped while driving near Dalton, according to DeFelice. Belmontes’ arrest led to search warrants at Cuevas’ and Galvan’s residences.

Officers seized 1/2 kilogram of cocaine, six vehicles and two guns and ammunition. They also recovered about $10,000 cash. During the course of the investigation, DeFelice said, a total of 1 1/2 kilos of cocaine and several pounds of marijuana were seized.

Total street value of the seized drugs, he said, is more than $150,000.

“I think that the sentences imposed on these four defendants were reasonable and reflected each defendant’s level of responsibility,” Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor John Williams said after Wednesday’s hearing.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

East Holmes board supports levy for Sheriff’s Office and Medway
October 22, 2004 
By ERIC JOHNSON
Staff Writer

E. HOLMES DISTRICT - The board voted Tuesday morning to endorse a 0.25-mill, five-year levy request on behalf of the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.

The levy, according to its Nov. 2 ballot language, is for “providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, equipment and personnel” for the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.

It will pay to equip an additional deputy for road patrol and for Holmes County to become a full member of the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency, which provides undercover narcotics enforcement, according to Concerned Citizens for a Drug Free Holmes County.

In other action, the board approved a five-month contract with MidAmerican Energy to purchase gas from November to March, “at a cost not to exceed $12.50 per (thousand cubic feet),” Treasurer Marsha Clark said in her agenda notes.

“I will try to keep this as low as possible,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get a lower price in the spring.”

Oil and gas industry price spikes could force the school district to pay up to 52 percent more for natural gas than previously approved, for the district administration building; elementary schools at Berlin, Chestnut Ridge and Walnut Creek; and the Perry Reese Community Center.

“We were still able to lock in Hiland at $7.365,” Clark said, noting that price is “below the amount approved by the board earlier.” The natural gas spot price on Oct. 13 was $10.69 per Mcf, she said, and the price previously approved by the board was $8.215 per Mcf.

The board on Tuesday approved supplemental contracts as elementary school science material coordinators for the 2004-2005 school year for Sharon Gerber and Nancy Scheetz, Berlin; David Weaver, Flat Ridge/Charm; Phyllis Wengerd, Chestnut Ridge; Jack Armstrong, Mount Hope; Diane Cleveland, Walnut Creek; Sharon Gertz, Winesburg; and Karina Yoder and Rachel Kaufmann, Wise.

It also approved supplemental coaching contracts for Jason Shutt, volunteer soccer; Eric Gerber and Chester Mullet, volunteer boys basketball; David Borter, volunteer girls basketball; Bert Jones, varsity assistant baseball; Kelly Camacho, junior varsity baseball; Launie Shaw, boy and girls varsity assistant track; and James Custer, junior high track.

The board renewed an agreement with Holmes County Transportation Coordination for special needs transportation if necessary, and approved the addition to Hiland’s fall sports schedule of an Oct. 7 golf match with McKinley High School.

Board members received evaluation forms for Clark and Superintendent Gary Sterrett. Board President Paul Shutt asked they be returned before the board’s Nov. 15 meeting to give him time to compile board members’ comments.

The district will advertise for bids for two school buses, starting Nov. 4, Sterrett reported, with bids to be opened Dec. 3 at noon and contracts for the new buses to be awarded at the board’s Dec. 20 meeting.

Reporter Eric Johnson can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail ejohnson@the-daily-record.com. 

Orrville man gets three years prison for operating meth lab
October 23, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - An Orrville man was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison for operating a methamphetamine lab in Orrville.

Michael R. Muth, 28, of 317 S. Walnut St., previously pleaded guilty in Wayne County Common Pleas Court to illegal manufacturing of drugs and two counts of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs.

Muth told Judge Mark K. Wiest he has been taking drugs for eight years, and for more than a year, meth was his “drug of choice.”

His drug addiction, he said, cost him his job, his car and his license. He asked Wiest for leniency to give him the opportunity to live a law-abiding life.

Muth was arrested June 16 when Medway Drug Enforcement Agency agents searched his home, with Muth’s permission, and found tools and ingredients used in making meth. Muth told agents to stop their search when they found the tools; they returned later with a search warrant and discovered a full cooking lab, Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Jocelyn Stefancin said.

Two days later, the Orrville Police Department was called by a store worker who said three men purchased items identified by law enforcement as ingredients used to make methamphetamine, Stefancin said. They said they had purchased the ingredients for Muth, who had just posted bond, she said.

Then, agents saw Muth in Massillon purchasing more meth chemicals. The vehicle he was traveling in was stopped for a traffic violation and officers seized components and ingredients used in the manufacturing process, according to Stefancin.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Holmes rejects Medway
November 3, 2004
By JOSEPH LEDFORD
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - Holmes County voters said no on Tuesday to a 0.25-mill levy that would have provided funds for the county’s inclusion in the jurisdiction of the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency and the hiring and equipping of another road patrol officer for the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.

The levy failed in 13 of 19 precincts and fell by an unofficial count of 4,562 (44 percent) for the levy to 5,826 (56 percent) against it.

While the voting was close in many of the precincts, the levy met strong resistance in Killbuck TownshipMonroe TownshipHolmes County commissioners and the general fund.

He said he does not support placing the issue on the ballot again.

“The people have voted on it once, they have spoken and I’ll just address the issue with the commissioners and see if they can come up with any money out of the general fund to help support or fund Medway,” Zimmerly said.

“We (had) two solutions and one of them didn’t work. ... We’ll (now) have to work with the commissioners to find the funds to join Medway,” Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Knowling said.

“Not doing anything is not an option ... This is a problem that is not going to go away,” he added. “We cannot deal with the drug problem without undercover agents.”

“We are all disappointed,” Millersburg Police Chief Tom Vaughn said. “We had a great committee and a lot of folks working hard for us.”

Vaughn said confusing language on the ballot undoubtedly had an effect on the levy’s outcome.

State statutes would not allow Medway’s name to be placed on the ballot and the issue was listed only as an additional tax levy for providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, equipment and personnel directly for the Sheriff’s Office.

Knowling agreed, saying the ballot was not descriptive enough.

“The bottom line is, I think, the people in general are tired of being taxed,” Zimmerly said.

“They are tired of new taxes and I think they are saying ‘make do with what you have,’” he said.

Medway Director Chuck DeFelice was unavailable for comment.

Reporter Joseph Ledford can be reached at (330) 674-1811 or e-mail jledford@the-daily-record.com. 

November 12, 2004
Creston man pleads not guilty to making meth

WOOSTER - A 23-year-old Creston man pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to operating a methamphetamine lab.

Sammy A. Bolen Jr., 130 Sterling Ave., was arrested early Sept. 23 when the lab was found in a barn behind the house, according to Creston Police Chief Phil Carr and Chuck DeFelice, director of the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency.

His arrest followed a nearly two-month joint investigation of the Creston Police, Medway and the Medina County Drug Task Force.

Some of the components used to make the drug were found in the basement of Bolen’s home and within the vicinity of a child.

At the time of Bolen’s arrest, DeFelice said, Bolen was supplying meth to the Creston and Seville areas.

If convicted Bolen faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison and fines totaling $22,500.

Menuez sentenced to prison for making meth

MILLERSBURG - A Millersburg man who pleaded admitted making methamphetamine in his home was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday in .

Kyle V. Menuez, 33, of 1043 Wooster Road, was indicted by a Holmes County grand jury on May 12 on charges of illegal manufacturing of drugs and aggravated possession of drugs, both second-degree felonies, and illegal assembly of chemicals for the manufacturing of drugs, a third-degree felony.

In a plea agreement, Menuez pleaded guilty in September to the first count of illegal manufacturing of drugs. The other charges were dismissed.

Holmes County Common Pleas Judge Thomas D. White ordered Menuez to pay a $5,000 fine and suspended his operator’s license for five years.

During a search of Menuez’s home on May 6, Millersburg Police Department, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Medway Drug Enforcement Agency located almost 70 grams of methamphetamine, security equipment and firearms.

Police Chief S. Thomas Vaughn said at the time of his arrest, Menuez was preparing materials to cook into meth.

Heroin among drugs confiscated in Bowman Street raid 
December 8, 2004
By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer

WOOSTER - Crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana valued at $4,200 were found when a Bowman Street house was raided on Monday night.

A “business relationship” involving drug transactions was found to be going on between the upstairs and downstairs residents at 567 and 567 1/2 E. Bowman St., according to Lt. Steve Glick of the Wooster Police Department.

Police simultaneously raided the apartments at about 9 p.m. One man, Stephen Cornelious, 20, of 555 High St., 434 1/2 Woodland Ave., Wooster, was arrested and charged with possession of drug abuse instruments after police found hypodermic needles in her purse.

In addition to the drugs, officers found $285 cash and drug paraphernalia, Glick said.

While the activity at the apartments did not represent a huge trafficking operation, Glick said, “obviously there was enough that people suspected something and we saw something.”

He said the investigation was prompted by reports of suspicious activity.

Of significance, he said, was the confiscation of heroin - which is “nothing to sneeze at.”

“We don’t see heroin very often, and this is the first time in ages we’ve seized any heroin being sold here in Wooster. That’s uncommon for us,” Glick said. “Occasionally, we’ve had a couple of people using it, but they’ve always gone to Akron or Cleveland to buy it and then bring it back.”

Participating in the raid were officers from the Wooster Police Department, the Ohio State University Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency.

The investigation continues and additional charges are expected, Glick said.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at (330) 287-1643 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com. 

Couple sentenced on drug charges
December 15, 2005
By MATT TULLIS
Staff Writer

MILLERSBURG - Before being sentenced for trafficking marijuana, possession of firearms under disability and child endangerment, a Killbuck man told Holmes County Common Pleas Judge Thomas D. White he thought marijuana should be legalized.

“I think it should be legalized,” Timothy R. Reigle said after White asked him to clarify a statement in the pre-sentence investigation report.

That didn’t help his cause.

White said Reigle, 44, 10210 State Route 520, lacked remorse and was likely to be a repeat offender. He sentenced Reigle to three years in prison on each of the two felony counts and 90 days in jail for child endangerment. The prison terms are to be served concurrently.

“The laws are there for good reason, whether you agree with them or not,” White said. “When you violate them, you get punished.”

Reigle was convicted twice for trafficking marijuana in Coshocton County in 1987. After his wife, Melinda Reigle, 42, 10210 State Route 520, was given a 90-day jail term for child endangerment, Timothy Reigle said he should have lied to the judge.

“That’s the attitude you’re going to have to change,” said Holmes County probation officer Paul Tish.

As Timothy Reigle was sentenced, his wife sat with her two daughters in the gallery. Once her husband had been handcuffed and led to the jury box, she found her way to the defendant’s table, ready to be sentenced.

The Reigles, who pleaded guilty in October, were two of 13 people arrested and charged at the conclusion of a Medway Drug Enforcement Agency operation in August, the first of its kind in Holmes County.

When a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team served the warrant at the Reigle home, officers found several guns, a large amount of cash and drugs, according to Chuck DeFelice, director of Medway.

During sentencing, Melinda Reigle said she didn’t know her husband had been dealing drugs. Even if she had, she said she couldn’t have done anything about it.

“He’s the man of the house,” she said. “I’m not real sure (the children) were even around.”

White said that is what he called denial.

“There is no way you and the kids did not know what your husband was doing,” he said. “I take this very seriously when there is drug dealing in a home where children are exposed to it.”

White sentenced Melinda Reigle to 180 days in jail with work release. Ninety days of the jail term were suspended. Melinda Reigle also was sentenced to three years of probation and given 100 hours of community service. She also must attend parenting classes.

“You are going to need some help in dealing with what has happened to your family,” White said.

After Melinda Reigle was sentenced, her daughters left the courtroom in tears.

“Right now I think you and your husband really need some insight into what it takes to be a parent in Holmes County,” White said.

Reporter Matt Tullis can be reached at (330) 674-1811, or e-mail mtullis@the-daily-record.com.