Ten face criminal charges in WCH

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An extensive investigation by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office into alleged drug-related activity recently resulted in the arrest of several individuals on charges ranging from drug trafficking to extortion.

According to Sheriff Vernon Stanforth, detectives gathered intelligence of suspected drug activity at 3075 Ford Road, which is located northwest of Washington C.H. Then on Aug. 20, the resident of 3075 Ford Road, 69-year-old Richard F. Williamson, reported that his 2003 Ford Ranger pickup truck had been stolen from his driveway.

The person who allegedly stole the pickup truck reportedly drove another stolen vehicle to Williamson’s home before he left the area in the pickup truck. This individual left a 2000 Audi A4, reportedly stolen out of the Dayton area, in Williamson’s driveway, according to Stanforth.

FCSO detectives recovered the stolen Audi and were able to make contact with the owner.

A few weeks later, Williamson reported to the FCSO that he had been receiving telephone calls from a man who attempted to set up an exchange of the stolen pickup truck for money. After receiving this information, FCSO detectives facilitated an operation that resulted in the arrest of Lawrence T. Conley, 19, of Dayton, who allegedly drove the stolen pick-up to the set-up point. The pickup truck was recovered and returned to Williamson.

Conley was arrested and taken into custody. A search of his person resulted in the discovery of a substance presumptively identified as heroin, as well as cash, on his person, according to Stanforth. He was charged with receiving stolen property (motor vehicle), extortion, trafficking in heroin, driving under suspension (two counts), and driving left of center.

Two arrests were also made from a vehicle that followed the pick-up truck to the scene. The driver of that vehicle, eventually identified as Jeffrey Mays, 54, of Centerville, originally provided a false name to FCSO deputies. Mays was arrested and taken into custody. A 17-year-old Montgomery County youth was also in the trailing vehicle. The juvenile was released to his mother, pending charges.

Mays was charged with extortion, receiving stolen property (motor vehicle), tampering with records, forgery, obstructing justice, and identity theft.

The FCSO obtained a search warrant related to its investigation into suspected drug activity and on Monday shortly after 6 p.m., members of the Sheriff’s Tactically Armed Response Team and agents from the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force served the warrant at 3075 Ford Road. During the search of the home, substances presumptively identified as heroin and crack cocaine were found, according to Stanforth. The narcotics were reportedly packaged for resale.

Several individuals, including the resident, Williamson, were inside the home at the time the warrant was served. Williamson was charged with permitting drug abuse for his alleged role in allowing individuals to traffic narcotics from his home. He was also charged with possession of heroin and possession of cocaine.

Jevon Russell, 44, of Dayton, was charged with trafficking in heroin within the vicinity of a juvenile, trafficking in cocaine within the vicinity of a juvenile, and tampering with evidence.

Rebecca J. Hedges, 20, of Washington C.H., was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vercie Lark, 34, of Dayton was charged with obstructing official business after he allegedly attempted to run from the home after the search warrant was served. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Dallas Feazell, 52, of Washington C.H., was charged with possession of heroin and tampering with evidence.

Dana Feazell, 44, of Washington C.H., was charged with a probation violation.

There were also two juveniles, a 15-year-old and 16-year-old, located in a vehicle outside the residence at the time the warrant was served. They were both charged with probation violations and were sent to the Southwest Ohio Juvenile Detention Center pending their appearance in Fayette County Juvenile Court.

Investigation uncovers alleged drug operation

By Ryan Carter

[email protected]

Reach Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352 or on Twitter @rywica

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