PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH – A man arrested during a multi-agency drug interdiction operation along U.S. Route 23 has been convicted and sentenced to prison following a traffic stop that led to the discovery of drugs and a firearm.
Ryan H. Foster, 47, of Otway, Ohio, was found guilty of Aggravated Possession of Drugs and Having Weapons While Under Disability. He was sentenced to a term of 3 to 4 ½ years with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) for the weapons charge, and 36 months for the drug charge. Both sentences will be served concurrently.
The charges stem from a July 2024 traffic stop that was part of a coordinated U.S.-23 interdiction operation conducted by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Circleville Police Department, South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, the Ohio Investigative Unit, and other local law enforcement.
Foster was initially pulled over for speeding and found to be driving under suspension. During a subsequent search, deputies recovered approximately 31 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, and a Taurus G9C 9mm pistol. At the time of the arrest, Foster was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions.
The July 2024 operation resulted in:
- 13 citations
- 52 warnings
- 2 arrests
- 31 grams of methamphetamine seized
- 2 grams of fentanyl seized
- 1 firearm confiscated
Nicole McMichael, the registered owner of the vehicle, arrived on the scene during the stop and took custody of the vehicle.
Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey commended the cooperative effort between departments and reaffirmed the importance of interdiction operations in keeping illegal drugs and weapons off the streets. “This is a clear example of the impact multi-agency collaboration can have on improving public safety,” Hafey said.
