POMEROY — Two people have been arrested following an investigation which resulted in the discovery of a large amount of suspected heroin and cash on Wednesday.
Larry Wilson, II, 37, of Detriot, and Miranda Hawley, 19, of Pomeroy, face multiple charges according to Pomeroy Police Chief Mark Proffitt after investigation and surveillance led to the search of a residence within the Village of Pomeroy.
Proffitt and Patrolman Joe Barnhart stated that approximately $35,000 in cash, suspected heroin, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and other drugs were found in the residence on Butternut Avenue during the execution of a search warrant by the department.
The individuals were arrested without incident. A loaded .45 semi automatic gun was also found at the residence. The Public Children Service Agency was also called, though the report does not indicate children were present at the time of the arrest.
Proffitt stated that the suspected heroin would be sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to determine the exact weight. Some of the suspected drug was packaged for sale according to Proffitt.
He stated that if the substance is determined to be heroin, it is the largest quantity he has seen in his more than 20 years in law enforcement.
Barnhart, a former homeland security official, served as lead investigator on the case. He said that the agency had conducted interviews and surveillance, as well as utilizing other resources prior to the execution of the search warrant.
Pomeroy Mayor Jackie Welker stated that he was proud of the department for their work in this case.
“I hope this will send a message to others that activity such as this will not be tolerated in Pomeroy,” added Welker.
Barnhart stated that the Middleport Police Department and Meigs County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in helping to investigate the case.
Barnhart and Proffitt stated that this a big step for the village in helping to get drugs off the streets.
Proffitt added that it is important that the three agencies to work together to attack the drug problem in the area.
Hawley is being housed in the Middleport Jail, and Wilson is in the Washington County Jail according to Proffitt. Exact charges are not known as of press time, although Proffitt stated the charges are likely to include trafficking in heroin and child endangerment.
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