Drug bust nets 5 in Paulding County

Van Wert independent/Paulding County Sheriff’s Dept. information

PAULDING — An undercover drug operation in Paulding County that has been ongoing more than seven months led to the arrest of five county residents on February 10.

Paulding County Sheriff's Department Captain Jason K. Landers, Oakwood Mayor Erhard "Bud" Henke and Paulding County Prosecutor Joseph Burkard discuss the recent drug round-up. Officials were successful in arresting five county residents that were indicted by the Paulding County Grand Jury on February 9. (photo submitted)

The sheriff’s office, along with the Oakwood Police Department, West Central Ohio Crime Task Force and the Paulding County Prosecutor’s Office have been coordinating efforts to reduce the number of individuals trafficking in drugs in Oakwood and surrounding areas.

Several months ago, officials fielded complaints from residents about the illegal activity. Officials concentrated their investigation around the sales for prescription drugs.

Some drugs that were purchased by officials during this lengthy investigation were Opana, Fentanyl patches, morphine, Oxycodone and Dilaudid. The previous mentioned drugs are Schedule II controlled substances.

Arrested this past Friday on Warrants on Indictment were Mary Branham, Carolyn Yates and Cheri Todd, all of Oakwood, as well as Tim May and Jeff Budd Jr. of Melrose. Lloyd Shelton of Oakwood was also indicted; however, he is currently in prison on unrelated charges.

This investigation is continuing, and more charges should be filed in the near future.

POSTED: 02/14/12 at 5:53 am. FILED UNDER: News