CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A traffic stop on Massieville Road near Cauble Lane late on this week led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, resulting in a summons for the driver, the Ross County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Deputy Trenton Morgan initiated the stop after observing a red 2004 Kia Optima with an expired temporary license plate. The driver, Mandy Hardesty, identified via her Social Security number, was found to be under a non-compliance suspension when checked through the LEADS system. The front passenger, Eric Sprouse, claimed ownership of the vehicle but could not provide proof, stating he had recently purchased it and lacked insurance. A rear passenger, known to Morgan from prior encounters, was also present.
While issuing Hardesty a citation, Morgan noticed the rear passenger moving excessively and reaching over the backseat. After instructing the occupant to remain still, K9 Deputy Colt Mitchell arrived with his dog, Diesel, who conducted an open-air sniff and alerted to the presence of narcotics. All three occupants were removed from the vehicle and frisked, standing at the front of Morgan’s cruiser during the search.
Inside, deputies found a cut straw with burnt white residue in a black bookbag on the passenger floorboard, which Hardesty confirmed was hers and contained her ID. A purple container holding suspected methamphetamine was located in the backseat near two bookbags the rear passenger claimed as hers. Several small, clean baggies commonly used for drug sales were also scattered on the floor. All occupants denied ownership of the purple container after being read their Miranda rights.
The vehicle was towed by ANS Towing with no holds. Hardesty received a summons for drug paraphernalia under Ohio Revised Code 2925.14, with a court date set for April 1, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Chillicothe Municipal Court, and a citation for driving under suspension under 4510.16A, with a court appearance scheduled for April 17, 2025, at 9 a.m. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for testing, with additional charges pending results due to its proximity to the rear passenger’s belongings and her observed movements.
Mitchell’s K9 report noted Diesel’s positive indication near the driver’s side C-pillar, despite distractions from nearby traffic, prompting the probable cause search that uncovered the items, deputies said.