Multiple arrests made in Ohio drug and weapons raids

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — Drugs, drug paraphernalia and guns were found in several homes in Belmont County this week.

Belmont County Sheriff's Interdiction Team detectives executed search warrants in several communities.

Nine individuals now face charges including drug trafficking and possession, possession of criminal tools, drug abuse permits, child endangerment and weapons possession while under disability.

Sheriff Dave Lucas said his priority is protecting children whose lives are in danger and living in drug houses.

Because they can't protect themselves. Like I said, what was it, a month ago we had the death of a one year old from an overdose. So we take this very seriously. And like I said, we will do everything we can to put them in jail, get them off the streets and if that's the case, take their children away from them.

Sheriff Dave Lucas, Belmont County

Police officers from Martins Ferry, Bellaire and Bridgeport also assisted in the execution of these warrants.

The team is part of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigation Commission.

Investigators say many other suspects will be charged in this investigation.

Those arrested were:

• Amber Barry, 32, of Bridgeport, Ohio
• William White, 40, of Bridgeport, Ohio
• Demarcus Hockett, 34, of Martins Ferry, Ohio
• Tashay Cornell, 23, from Canton, Ohio
• Myriah Dunn, 25, of Bellaire, Ohio
• Myles Edmond-Wright, of Bellaire, Ohio
• Monte Lyles, 26, of Steubenville, Ohio
• Deanna Spoon, 25, of Bridgeport, Ohio
• James Behrens, 52, of Bellaire, Ohio