PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — The Guardian broke the story on Wednesday of DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) raids in Pike County that led to the arrest of four individuals, including a former Waverly police officer, Mark Anglemyer Jr.
Anglemyer began his law enforcement career in 2005 as an auxiliary officer for the Waverly Police Department and the Piketon Police Department, according to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy records. He served in various roles, including part-time deputy with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office from 2006 to 2007, part-time police officer in Piketon from 2007 to 2011, auxiliary officer for the Oak Hill Police Department from 2011 to 2013, and part-time officer with the Waverly Police Department from 2013 to 2016.
After leaving law enforcement, Anglemyer ventured into the food service industry. He initially worked as a local food vendor before starting an Italian restaurant in Ashland, Kentucky, alongside two of his associates. The restaurant, Lupo Nero Italian Cuisine, has not yet opened and was still under construction at the time of Anglemyer’s arrest, according to social media posts.
Two female associates, Arin Sodaro and Heather Howell, were also arrested in connection with the DEA raids. Sodaro, who goes by Arin Auton on social media, serves as the Operations Manager/Coordinator for Lupo Nero Italian Cuisine. Her social media indicates she worked as a community health worker for the Community Action Committee of Pike County from 2021 to 2022 and served as a medic in the US Army from 2004 to 2012. Howell, known as Heather Burkitt on social media, is the chef for Anglemyer’s business. Her profile lists her as an employment specialist for Scioto Trails Advancing Abilities day program.
Additionally, 23-year-old Blake Mankin was arrested during the raids. The Guardian is still investigating his connection to Anglemyer. Mankin’s recent social media activity includes a post showing him with an assault rifle leaning against a car.
The DEA agents conducted the raids on three residences linked to Anglemyer and his alleged criminal enterprise. Specific details about the operation have not yet been released by the DEA.
The Guardian will continue to investigate and provide updates on this story, shedding light on what some have described as a significant criminal organization.
