PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer and Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced today the arrest of five individuals, including two local residents and three out-of-town suspects, in connection with drug and weapon offenses. The arrests were made as a result of an investigation conducted by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.
On the evening of July 17th, at approximately 6:20 p.m., task force officers, with the assistance of the Portsmouth P.D. SWAT team, executed a narcotics-related search warrant at the residence of 53-year-old Mary Sexton and 27-year-old Austin Sexton. The address of the residence was reported to be 2409 17th St. apartment J, Portsmouth.
During the search of the premises and the suspects’ personal belongings, officers made a significant discovery, seizing approximately 1,137 grams of suspected methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, along with 1,253 grams of suspected fentanyl and 238 grams of suspected crack cocaine. The operation also led to the confiscation of four firearms, a sum of $16,103 in cash, and additional evidence pointing to drug trafficking activities. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be around $201,660, and altogether, approximately 5.8 pounds of illicit narcotics were taken off the streets, making a notable dent in the local drug trade.
Mary Sexton and 24-year-old Mischa Williams from Columbus, Ohio were charged with Trafficking and Possession of Drugs, both of which are considered felonies of the 1st degree, as well as Possession of Criminal Tools, a felony of the 5th degree. On the other hand, Austin Sexton, 35-year-old Derrick Hutchinson from Dayton, Ohio, and 34-year-old Delaquan Myers from West Chester, Ohio were charged with Trafficking and Possession of Drugs, also classified as felonies of the 1st degree. Additionally, they face charges of Having Weapons While Under Disability, a felony of the 3rd degree, and Possession of Criminal Tools, a felony of the 5th degree.
Williams and Myers also had active warrants for their arrests out of Franklin County, the sheriff’s office said.
Following their apprehension, all five individuals were taken into custody and are currently being held at the Scioto County Jail. They are scheduled to appear for arraignment at the Portsmouth Municipal Court today, Tuesday, July 18, at 9:00 a.m.
Members of the public who have information related to drug activities are encouraged to come forward and provide anonymous tips to the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force. They can do so by phoning the Task Force tip line at (740) 354-5656 or via email at [email protected].