PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — In a coordinated effort, Ohio Attorney General David Yost announced the results of “Operation Burning Sun,” a drug enforcement operation conducted by the Southern Ohio Organized & Major Crimes Task Force in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.
The operation, a continuation of investigations launched during “Operation Silent Night” in December 2022, involved serving search warrants at multiple locations in Pike County. Several arrests were made throughout the operation, with charges ranging from drug trafficking and possession to receiving stolen property and weapons violations.
On June 13th, officers apprehended Rick Kinzer on charges of aggravated trafficking and aggravated possession of drugs at a residence on Guilkey Road. William Waughtel was also arrested at the same location on outstanding warrants.
On July 3rd, a separate operation on Shoemaker Road led to the arrest of Steven Richards for failing to comply with police orders, possessing stolen property, and violating weapons restrictions due to a prior disability.
A larger sweep occurred on July 18th, with search warrants executed at three locations on Al Leeth and Buchanan Roads.These raids resulted in the arrests of Terry Titer, Matthew Zimmerman, Mara Morrison (a registered sex offender), Ashley Vest, and Christopher Vest. The Vests face additional charges for violating probation terms.
Authorities seized a significant amount of illegal narcotics during the operation, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Additionally, they recovered stolen property, including an ATV reported missing from Florida in 2009.Firearms, believed to be in the possession of convicted felons with violent histories, were also confiscated. Cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales, along with digital scales and drug paraphernalia, were taken into evidence.