News & Press Releases
Drug trafficking arrests, search warrant results, grants and public safety alerts from the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, the drug task force serving Fairfield, Hocking and Pickaway counties.
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October 13, 2026
Search warrant executed in Thornville
On October 12, 2026, the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Lancaster Police Department, executed a search warrant at 8810 Drums Bottom Road, Thornville Ohio. This residence in Thornville has been the target of an investigation by the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit for the past several months for drug trafficking violations. Christine Ann Peters (64) was arrested and charged with 4 counts of Trafficking of Drugs and 4 counts of Possession of Controlled Substances. Peters is currently being held in the Fairfield County Jail.
Read the full release
Detectives seized the following drugs and contraband:
- Approximately 30.5 Grams of Psilocybin Mushrooms
- Approximately 467 Grams of Methamphetamine
- Approximately $14,712 in US Currency
- 2009 Ford Mustang GT
This investigation is still ongoing.
This type of successful outcome, which has a direct impact on the quality of life in our community, is the result of a collaborative effort between the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, its Law Enforcement partners, and the community. If you see suspicious activity, we encourage you to contact local law enforcement or the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit at 740-653-5224. Your information can be anonymous.
The South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit is a collaborative Law Enforcement Ohio HIDTA Task Force which includes the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Logan Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio University Police Department, Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Program, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, and the Fairfield and Pickaway County Prosecutors Offices.
For any additional information or questions please contact the Major Crimes Unit Commander Scott Duff at 740-901-1729 or via email at Scott.duff@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
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December 9, 2025
Pickaway County Man Faces Federal Drug, Gun Charges
A federal grand jury has indicted an Ashville, Ohio, man, charging him with trafficking in bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, and with illegally possessing firearms.
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October 22, 2025
Search warrant executed in Logan
The South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Logan/Hocking Special Response Team, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Hocking County Sheriffs Office, the Pickaway County Sheriffs Office, the Lancaster Police Directed Patrol Unit and the Logan Police Department, executed a search warrant at 192 Gallagher Ave., Logan Ohio. This residence in Logan Ohio has been the target of an ongoing investigation by the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit for illegal drug trafficking. Bridget Stivison, (42) was arrested and charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Drugs. Stivison is currently being held in the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
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September 15, 2025
Two Search Warrants Executed at 301 Sumpter Avenue
In the early morning hours of Friday September 12, 2025, the South-Central Major Crimes Unit, the Circleville Police Department and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office executed two separate search warrants, and two separate arrest warrants at 301 Sumpter Avenue Circleville, Ohio.
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June 30, 2025
Multi-Agency Operation Yields Narcotics Arrests and Alcohol Violations in Fairfield County
On June 27, 2025, the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit—working in partnership with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Pickerington Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Logan Police Department, and the Ohio Investigative Unit—conducted a focused interdiction operation in Violet Township, Walnut Township, and Liberty Township, all located within Fairfield County.
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February 7, 2025
South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit seized drugs, weapons in search warrant
On February 7, 2025, the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, with the assistance of several other sheriff’s offices and police departments, seized suspected fentanyl, methamphetamines, several weapons and more than $7,000 from 65 Beck Road SW on Feb. 7.
Russell Eugene Turnbaugh, of Lancaster, was arrested and charged with trafficking narcotics, possession of narcotics and having weapons while under disability.
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February 6, 2025
Search warrant executed in Pickerington
On January 24, 2025, the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, with support from multiple law enforcement agencies, executed a search warrant in Pickerington, Ohio, following a long-term drug trafficking investigation. The operation resulted in the seizure of cocaine, a firearm, and over $5,000 in cash.
Read the full release
Santo M. Comacho, 54, was arrested on an active drug trafficking warrant and later indicted on 11 charges, including trafficking and possession of cocaine, weapons violations, and tampering with evidence.
This successful operation reflects the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime and enhance community safety. Anonymous tips can be reported at 740-653-5224.
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October 30, 2024
Camp convicted on methamphetamine and tampering charges
On January 31, 2024, Detectives with the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit initiated a traffic stop in Fairfield County on Michael Edward Camp of Baltimore Ohio. As a result of that traffic stop, approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine was seized just outside of Camps vehicle, where Camp had attempted to dispose of the narcotics. Camp was arrested by MCU and charged with one count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 2nd degree, and one count of Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the 3rd degree.
On October 30, 2024, in Fairfield County Common Pleas Court, Camp was convicted on both counts. Camp will be sentenced in the coming weeks.
Read the full release
The South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, a multi-jurisdictional task force, is made up of officers from the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Lancaster Police Department, the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, The Logan Police Department and the Ohio University Police Department. This type of successful outcome directly impacts the quality of life in our community. If you see suspicious activity or believe drugs are being used or sold in your neighborhood, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 740-653-5224, Ext 1.
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April 30, 2024
Search warrant at 4970 Delmont Rd., Lancaster
On April 30, 2024, The South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Lancaster Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 4970 Delmont Rd. Lancaster after an investigation involving drug trafficking. A search of a camper located on the property resulted in the seizure of more than 220 grams of Methamphetamine, 15 grams of Fentanyl, prescription drugs, $718 in cash, and a .380 caliber handgun.
Read the full release
Shay Marie Browning, 33, was arrested on a probation violation and transported to the Fairfield County Jail.
Additional charges from the investigation will be presented to the Fairfield County Prosecutors Office at a later date.
This type of successful outcome which directly impacts the quality of life in our community, is the result of a collaborative effort between the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, its Law Enforcement partners, and the community. If you see suspicious activity or believe drugs are being used or sold in your neighborhood, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 740-653-5224, your information can be anonymous.
The Major Crimes Unit is a collaborative Law Enforcement Ohio HIDTA Task Force which includes the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Logan Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio University Police Department, Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Program, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, and the Fairfield, Hocking, and Pickaway County Prosecutors Offices.
For any additional information or questions please contact the Major Crimes Unit Commander Dennis Lowe at 740-808-0100 or via email at dennis.lowe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
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April 26, 2023
Lancaster drug trafficking investigation concluded
On Wednesday April 26th the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit with assistance from the Lancaster Police Department, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio National Guard Counterdrug Program and the Ohio Department of Public Safety Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center concluded a several months long drug trafficking investigation in the City of Lancaster. As part of yesterday’s operation Major Crimes Unit Detectives searched two Lancaster homes and arrested Gerald Tyrone Estep, 38 of 120½ Welsh Ave. Lancaster. Jason M. Smith 40 of 313 Harrison Ave W Lancaster a co-conspirator of Estep’s was arrested on March 30th after a search of his residence.
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April 14, 2023
The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC)
A public safety bulletin today alerting Ohioans of the various forms of fentanyl being found across the state.
Six different physical forms of fentanyl have been reported to ONIC, including powder, tablet, chalk, rock, black tar, and gum. The various forms reported in Ohio contained fentanyl primarily mixed with other substances.
Press Release April 14, 2023 (opens in a new tab; you are leaving the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit website) · ONIC Public Fentanyl Forms (PDF)
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October 29, 2022
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Help us create safer homes and communities by turning in unused or expired medications for safe disposal, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Kroger, 1621 Memorial Dr., Lancaster, and Kroger, 1045 Hill Road N., Pickerington.
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October 4, 2022
United States Bureau of Justice Assistance COSSAP (Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant Substance Abuse Program) Grant
The South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a United States Bureau of Justice Assistance COSSAP (Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant Substance Abuse Program) grant in the amount of $1,300,000. This grant which will largely focus on the task force’s outreach program Project FORT will fund program activities over the next three years. Project FORT which has become an integral part of the Major Crimes Unit’s comprehensive approach to curbing drug trafficking and substance use throughout Fairfield County will seek to expand housing opportunities, decrease transportation barriers, and continue to perform robust outreach to those with substance use disorders.
Read the full release
Commander Lowe said that “Since its inception in 2018 Project FORT has made a difference in Fairfield County and is saving lives”. This unique blending of enforcement and outreach is changing the course of people’s lives and providing expedited treatment and recovery opportunities for those with substance use disorders. FORT connects those in need with critical access to treatment and recovery programs through its network of care outside of the criminal justice system. “These dollars will provide expedited access; and help ease current barriers like housing and transportation which inhibit people’s ability to enter or stay in recovery.”
Commander Lowe went on to say that “This award is significant, and further validates that leaders at the state and federal level recognize the great work being done in Fairfield County by the Major Crimes Unit, and Project FORT through its strategic partnerships with Law Enforcement and the Treatment and Recovery community.”
The Major Crimes Unit is a collaborative Law Enforcement Ohio HIDTA Task Force which includes the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Pickerington Police Department, Logan Police Department, Circleville Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department, Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio University Police Department, Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Program, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, and the Fairfield, Hocking, Athens, and Pickaway County Prosecutors Offices.
Project FORT is a collaboration which includes the Fairfield County ADAM-H Board, The Recovery Center, Ohio Guidestone, Lancaster Recovery Services, Creed of Recovery, New Horizons, Hope Valley, The Lighthouse Recovery Services, Connections West, Lutheran Social Services, The Vineyard, Lancaster Fire Department, Violet Twp Fire Department, Fairfield Medical Center, Fairfield County Health Department, and many other community partners.
For any additional information or questions please contact the Major Crimes Unit Commander Dennis Lowe at 740-808-0100 or via email at dennis.lowe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
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March 17, 2022
Search warrant at Selby Road, Athens
On March 17, 2022, The South-Central Major Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at 7140 Selby Road, Lot 45, Athens Ohio, 45701 after an investigation into drug trafficking. The search of the residence produced over 64 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 13 grams of suspected methamphetamine, $2505.00 cash, and a 9mm handgun.
Read the full release
Austin Ray Billingsley was arrested for:
- Trafficking in drugs, ORC 2925.03 A1: a felony of the first degree.
- Possession of a controlled substance, ORC 2925.11 A: a felony of the first degree.
- Weapons under disability, ORC 2923.13 A4: a felony of the third degree.
Additional charges, pending BCI&I lab results, will be submitted to a grand jury at a later date. In accordance with Ohio Revised Code, South Central Major Crimes Unit is requesting a bond of $110,000 be set for Mr. Billingsley’s release.
This type of successful outcome which directly impacts the quality of life in our community, is a direct result of a collaborative effort between the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, its Law Enforcement partners, and the community. If you see suspicious activity or believe drugs are being used or sold in your neighborhood, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 740-653-5224 ext. 3, your information can be anonymous.
The Major Crimes Unit is a collaborative Law Enforcement Ohio HIDTA Task Force which includes the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Pickerington Police Department, Logan Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Circleville Police Department, Athens Police Department, Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio University Police Department, Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Program, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, and the Fairfield, Hocking, Athens, and Pickaway County Prosecutors Offices.
For any additional information or questions please contact the Major Crimes Unit Commander Dennis Lowe at 740-808-0100 or via email at dennis.lowe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
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March 15, 2022
Search warrant at 116 E. Winding St., Lancaster
On Tuesday March 15, 2022, The South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Lancaster Police Department Strategic Response Team, Detective Bureau, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation ended a brief narcotic trafficking and stolen property investigation with the execution of a search warrant at 116 E. Winding St. Lancaster and the arrest of a Lancaster man. This investigation involved the distribution of Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl throughout the region and resulted in the arrest of Randall L. Gilkerson Jr. 44 of 116 E. Winding St. Lancaster, Ohio.
Read the full release
Gilkerson was booked into the Fairfield County Jail on one count of possession of drugs, a Felony of the 2nd degree with additional trafficking charges to be presented to the Fairfield County Prosecutors Office. Seized during the investigation was more than 159 grams Methamphetamine, 25 grams of the dangerous synthetic opioid Fentanyl, digital scales, packaging materials, and $1,289.00 in currency.
This type of successful outcome which directly impacts the quality of life in our community, is a direct result of a collaborative effort between the South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, its Law Enforcement partners, and the community. If you see suspicious activity or believe drugs are being used or sold in your neighborhood, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 740-653-5224 ext. 3, your information can be anonymous.
The Major Crimes Unit is a collaborative Law Enforcement Ohio HIDTA Task Force which includes the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Pickerington Police Department, Logan Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Circleville Police Department, Athens Police Department, Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio University Police Department, Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Program, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, and the Fairfield, Hocking, Athens, and Pickaway County Prosecutors Offices.
For any additional information or questions please contact the Major Crimes Unit Commander Dennis Lowe at 740-808-0100 or via email at dennis.lowe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
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January 19, 2022
Traffic stop in Albany
On 01-19-22, After an investigation into information involving drug trafficking and possession, Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s along with Detectives of the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Washington Road, Albany. Upon making contact with the driver, suspected Methamphetamine was observed inside the vehicle. The driver was then detained. A detailed search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of several bags containing suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and materials used in narcotics trafficking.
Read the full release
The driver, Lisa A Creech, age 61 of Albany was then placed under arrest for F2 possession and F2 trafficking of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) and transported to SEORJ. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Athens County Prosecutors Office for their assistance in this case.
This type of successful outcome which directly impacts the quality of life in our community, is a direct result of a collaborative effort between the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, its Law Enforcement partners, and the community. If you see suspicious activity or believe drugs are being used or sold in your neighborhood, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 740-653-5224 ext. 3, your information can be anonymous.
Another great job by the Athens office of the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit. This type of successful outcome is the direct result of the collaboration between the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department, and the Ohio University Police Department as part of the Major Crimes Unit.
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January 6, 2022
Search warrant at 200 Elm St., Sugar Grove
On Thursday January 6, 2022, The South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Sugar Grove Police Department, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detection K9, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation ended a two month investigation with the execution of a search warrant at 200 Elm St. in the Village of Sugar Grove. This investigation involved the distribution of Fentanyl throughout the region and resulted in the arrest of Chase Lockard 27 of 200 Elm St. in the Village of Sugar Grove.
Read the full release
Lockard was booked into the Fairfield County Jail on one count of possession of drugs, a Felony of the 1st degree with additional trafficking charges to be presented to the Fairfield County Prosecutors Office. Seized during the investigation was more than 195 grams of the dangerous synthetic opioid Fentanyl, digital scales, packaging materials, a professional money counter and $9,283.00 in currency.
This type of successful outcome which directly impacts the quality of life in our community, is a direct result of a collaborative effort between the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, its Law Enforcement partners, and the community. If you see suspicious activity or believe drugs are being used or sold in your neighborhood, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 740-653-5224 ext. 3, your information can be anonymous.
The Major Crimes Unit is a collaborative Law Enforcement Ohio HIDTA Task Force which includes the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, Pickerington Police Department, Logan Police Department, Circleville Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department, Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio University Police Department, Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Program, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, and the Fairfield, Hocking, Athens, and Pickaway County Prosecutors Offices.
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September 15, 2021
Ohio Task Force of The Year Award
On Wednesday September 15, 2021, the Fairfield-Athens-Pickaway Major Crimes was selected as the Ohio Drug Task Force of the year by the Ohio Narcotics Association of Regional Coordinating Officers (Ohio NARCO).
Read the full story
The task force was recognized for their exceptional collaboration, and drug enforcement efforts which included investigations at both the state and federal level.
Just one of those investigations resulted in the seizure of more than five pounds of Fentanyl, fifteen pounds of heroin, fifty pounds of methamphetamine, twenty-eight firearms and the recovery of more than $1,000,000 in stolen vehicles. The Major Crimes Unit was also noted for their innovation and fidelity to community outreach through Project FORT providing expedited access to treatment and recovery services to those with substance use disorders outside of the criminal justice system.
Major Crimes Unit Commander Dennis Lowe said that “The entire team is incredibly humbled and honored to be selected as the Ohio Task Force of the Year.”
“The men and women of the Major Crimes Unit are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to address issues impacting the community involving drug trafficking and substance use.” Commander Lowe went on to say that “This award and the work that led up to it would not be possible without the incredible level of collaboration, trust and support of the agencies who participate in the task force.”
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September 2, 2021
Search warrant in Pickerington
On Thursday September 2, 2021, a collaborative investigation between the Fairfield-Athens-Pickaway Major Crimes Unit, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office SIU resulted in the execution of a search warrant at 12131 Milnor Rd in Pickerington targeting a drug trafficking operation responsible for supplying pounds of cocaine and marijuana to Fairfield, and Franklin counties. That warrant which was executed with the assistance of the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team resulted in the arrest of a Pickerington man. Seized during the search was four (4) pounds of cocaine, more than twenty-two (22) pounds of marijuana, 210 doses of MDMA (More commonly known as Ecstasy), oxycodone, a pneumatic kilogram press, one semi-automatic .40 cal handgun and approximately $15,000 in cash.
Read the full release
Arrested and taken to the Fairfield County County Jail was Thous Syvilaylack of 12131 Milnor Rd. Pickerington. Syvilaylack was booked on a charge of possession of a schedule II-controlled substance a felony of the 2nd degree. Additional charges related to this investigation are expected in the coming weeks as investigators continues and the case in its entirety is presented to the Fairfield County Prosecutors Office.
The investigation and its successful outcome were a direct result of the close working relationship between the Major Crimes Unit and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office SIU. Collaborative efforts like this which maximize and share resources are critical in stemming the flow of illegal drugs and disrupting drug trafficking organizations who don’t differentiate between geographical boundaries.
For any additional information or questions please contact the Fairfield-Athens-Pickaway Major Crimes Unit Commander Dennis Lowe at 740-808-0100 or via email at dennis.lowe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov