CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Problems continue to plague the Ross County Jail as overdoses persist, with no remedy in sight from the sheriff’s office administration.
On July 22, 2024, a canine unit was deployed inside the jail following the overdose of yet another inmate. According to a report provided by the sheriff’s office, deputies, along with K9 Filko, conducted what law enforcement officials termed a “Jail Sniff.”
The sheriff’s office reported that the canine hit on several areas within the jail. Housing units G and F were subjected to extended searches. Throughout the jail’s housing units, K9 Officer Filko detected several locations indicating the presence of a narcotic odor.
The sheriff’s office stated that the entire jail, including both men’s and women’s pods, was searched. However, no information was released regarding whether any drugs were found during the sweep.
Over the years, the Ross County Jail has experienced dozens of overdoses and deaths, some under questionable circumstances. Voters polled in Ross County indicate that the issues with the jail are a major deciding factor in the highly contested sheriff’s race.
