Staff report
news@wbcowqel.com
Any remaining doubt about the severity of the drug problem in Crawford County was erased Monday. The Crawford County Grand Jury returned 44 indictments on Monday resulting in 57 charges.
According to Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall, 42 of those charges pertained directly to drugs, 11 were thefts and four were for sex-related crimes.
“It is clear that the biggest dilemma facing Crawford County is illegal drug use. Nearly all of our felony crime is related to drugs when you consider that our theft charges are often drug related as well,” Crall said. “Our local law enforcement should be congratulated for their hard work in helping to hold those who break the law accountable.”
The Bucyrus Police Department was responsible for nine of those indictments, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office 20, the Galion Police Department 10, the Crestline Police Department four, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol one.
“Many of these arrests involved our local agencies working together as well as working with the METRICH Drug Task Force,” Crall said. “These many cases have created a heavy caseload for everyone involved. Law enforcement, the Crawford County Justice Center, the prosecutor’s office, the court system and the entities who try to help counsel those indicted – they are all working hard to hold offenders accountable and rehabilitate those who want help. It is all part of the battle against illegal drug use.
Those indicted are set for arraignment at 9 a.m. next Monday in Common Pleas Court. Ten indictments will remain sealed until they are served.
Grand Jury indictments returned April 14
Nathan Adams, breaking and entering; Randall Allen, felonious assault; Dustin Angel, possession of heroin; Charlotte Baldridge, two counts for possession and one count for cultivation; James Beal, burglary and possession; Dallas Jean Carroll, possession of heroin and illegal conveyance; Miranda Clum, possession of heroin; Keshia Cole, possession of drugs and drug trafficking; Jeremy Copeland, rape and unlawful sexual conduct; Jason Denzer, duty to register; Jordan Ernsberger, possession of heroin; John Friend, tampering with evidence and possession of drugs; Malisha Gallutia, drug trafficking; Samantha Haddix, two counts of possession of heroin; Brittany Johnson, robbery and possession of heroin; Bart Kegley, two counts of possession and one count of cultivation; Marcus Lewis, possession of cocaine and illegal conveyance; Steven Marquis, two counts of possession of drugs and one count of drug trafficking; Steven McMillen, possession of heroin; Tyler Nichols, possession of drugs; Glen Ramsey, possession of drugs; Charlie Ramsey, possession of drugs; Karissa Smith, possession of heroin and possession of drugs; Christopher Sprague, possession of drugs; Kayla St. Clair, theft; Jason Surgener, possession of drugs; Hillary Turner, illegal conveyance and possession of heroin.