LUCASVILLE, Ohio — Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced the arrest of three individuals on drug and weapon charges after a routine traffic stop on Cook Road.
On Thursday, at approximately 1:42 pm, Scioto County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Lewis spotted a red Dodge vehicle heading north on US 23 with an expired registration.
Deputy Lewis, positioned in front of the vehicle, slowed down to allow it to pass. However, the driver, identified as Tiffany Blanton, instead made an immediate right turn onto Cook Road. Deputy Lewis caught up with the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Woodland.
During the stop, it was revealed that Blanton lacked a valid operator’s license and had an active warrant for her arrest from Pike County. Deputy Lewis, establishing probable cause, awaited additional deputies to conduct a search. Inside the vehicle, they discovered a loaded 9 MM handgun concealed under the front passenger seat, along with a bottle containing two plastic bags of what appeared to be fentanyl, digital scales used for illegal narcotics, and a jar containing a crystal-like substance believed to be meth.
The arrested individuals were identified as Chris Madden, 39, from 2551 Richie Street Portsmouth, Ohio; Tiffany Blanton, 38, from 2019 Pennington Road Waverly, Ohio; and Mark Swain, 31, from 409 East Third Street Piketon, Ohio.
Madden faces charges of Trafficking in Drugs (2nd-degree felony), Having Weapon While Under Disability (3rd-degree felony), and Possession of Drugs (3rd-degree felony). Blanton is charged with Trafficking in Drugs (2nd-degree felony) and Possession of Drugs (3rd-degree felony), while Swain faces charges of Trafficking in Drugs (2nd-degree felony), Having Weapon While Under Disability (3rd-degree felony), and Possession of Drugs (3rd-degree felony).
All three individuals are currently in custody, awaiting legal proceedings.
