PICKAWAY – Two people are serving serious time after being found with illegal drugs in Pickaway County.
On October 23, 2019 Cpl Steven Hager, and his partner k9 Joris, Sgt John Schleich, and Deputy Taylor Blanton were able to make a traffic stop on a 2006 Lincoln Navigator truck that was traveling Northbound on US Route 23 just north of State Route 361.
Cpl Harger used his K9 partner Joris for a free air sniff for narcotics and Joris alerted to the vehicle carrying illegal drugs. Police then searched the vehicle and found approximately six ounces of suspected methamphetamine located and over 1,000 dollars in cash.
The driver of the vehicle James P. Shea II of Chillicothe, Ohio and Brittany Smith of Chillicothe, Ohio were both charges with Trafficking in a Schedule 1 drug and Possession of Drugs a Schedule 1, both charges are felonies of the first degree.
After the traffic stop Detectives from Pickaway County and Ross County conducted a search warrant at the residence of James Shea, in Ross County, Ohio. Detectives seized approximately 8 more grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia items.
Brittany A. Smith, 30 of 756 Skiver Rd., Chillicothe, OH was found guilty of Aggravated Possession of Drugs (x2), Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs and sentenced to 5 years in prison.
The driver James P. Shea II of Chillicothe, Ohio was found guilty of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, and five counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs. He was sentenced this week to 15 years in prison, $10,000 fine, Forfeiture of $286.00, and 2006 Lincoln Navigator.
Part of this investigation was done by the US 23 Major Crimes Taskforce, with help from Sheriff Lavender from Ross County, and Sheriff Radcliff.