Chillicothe, Ohio — A Chillicothe man has been indicted on multiple felony drug charges following an undercover narcotics investigation conducted at Yoctangee Park last summer, authorities said.
Officers initially responded to the shelter house behind the YMCA on Aug. 22, 2025, as part of a controlled drug purchase operation led by a detective with the Chillicothe Police Department.
According to investigative reports, a confidential informant arranged to purchase one gram of fentanyl and one gram of methamphetamine for $90 from Ricky Daggett. The transaction was set to occur near the YMCA parking lot within Yoctangee Park, an area classified as a school zone.
Detectives monitored the exchange, during which Daggett allegedly provided two small baggies both with star emblemed art on them, containing suspected narcotics in exchange for prerecorded cash. Officers then detained Daggett at the shelter house.
During a search incident to arrest, police reported finding multiple baggies with the same star emblems containing suspected drugs, a digital scale with residue, several glass pipes, and a .38 caliber derringer-style handgun inside a backpack. Authorities also recovered the prerecorded $90 along with additional cash.
Police said Daggett has a prior felony conviction for domestic violence in Ross County, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
The suspected narcotics were sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for testing. Lab results later confirmed the presence of fentanyl, fentanyl-related compounds, xylazine, and methamphetamine. Investigators reported seizing a total of 4.70 grams of fentanyl-related compounds and 1.71 grams of methamphetamine.
The firearm was later test-fired, but investigators determined it was not operable in its current condition due to a damaged hammer.
The case was presented to a Ross County grand jury on Nov. 21, 2025, which returned a True Bill indictment on charges including:
- Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs (School Zone specification)
- Trafficking in Fentanyl-Related Compounds
- Aggravated Possession of Drugs
- Possession of Fentanyl-Related Compounds
Daggett was arrested on the indictment on Nov. 23 and transported to the Ross County Jail. The case was forwarded to the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office and remains pending.
