Ashland Man Posts $25,000 Bond in Drug Case; Next Hearing Set for October 9
ASHLAND, Ohio — An Ashland man arrested following a METRICH narcotics investigation has posted a $25,000 bond and remains subject to GPS monitoring, drug testing and an overnight curfew while facing two felony drug possession charges.
Reginald D. Huey, 46, appeared by video Monday, October 5, before Magistrate Paul T. Lange in Ashland County Common Pleas Court. Huey remained without an attorney but confirmed that he intends to hire private counsel and does not want to be considered for court-appointed representation.
According to Monday’s court order, Huey agreed to pause the deadline for a preliminary hearing to allow additional time to retain an attorney. Lange ordered that the deadline remain paused until an attorney files a notice of appearance on Huey’s behalf.
A further appearance hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at 2 p.m. Although the hearing will be conducted by video, Huey must report to the courthouse at 142 W. Second St. in downtown Ashland. His bond was continued.
The complaint, filed October 1 in case 26-CRI-173, charges Huey with aggravated possession of drugs, a third-degree felony, and possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony.
The charges stem from allegations that Huey possessed 6.96 grams of methamphetamine and 0.91 grams of cocaine in Ashland County on or about June 15, 2026. The complaint alleges the methamphetamine quantity equaled or exceeded the bulk amount but was less than five times that amount.
In a written bond recommendation, the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office alleged that investigators conducted three controlled drug purchases involving Huey in the area of Cottage Street and West Fourth Street. During each purchase, a confidential informant reportedly ordered methamphetamine and crack cocaine.
Prosecutors described the transactions as occurring approximately 300-plus feet from St. Edward School and said Huey’s residence was 533 feet from the school.
According to the recommendation, the first controlled purchase occurred April 28. Investigators alleged that Huey placed drugs at a location, directed the informant to retrieve them and instructed the informant to leave payment in the same spot. Detectives then reportedly watched Huey leave his residence, collect the money and return home. The filing states that a Mansfield laboratory weighed and tested the drugs.
The prosecution requested a $75,000 bond. At the October 1 bond hearing, Lange instead set bond at $25,000, allowing a surety bond, qualifying property or securities, cash, or a 10% cash deposit.
Court records show Huey posted a $25,000 surety bond through a bail bond agency and signed a personal recognizance on October 2.
His release conditions require GPS monitoring and a curfew at his approved residence from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. He must remain in Ohio unless the court grants written permission to leave, attend all future hearings and keep the court informed of his address and telephone number.
Huey is also prohibited from using, consuming or possessing alcohol or drugs of abuse, including products containing THC. He must submit to random testing at his own expense, enroll in the court’s drug testing and bond program, and arrange a drug and alcohol assessment within 14 days of posting bond. He must comply with any recommended treatment.
The case follows a September 29 search at 226 W. Fourth St. According to the previously released METRICH announcement, Ashland detectives assigned to the task force executed a narcotics-related search warrant with assistance from the Ashland Special Response Team, Ashland Police Division and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the search followed several months of investigation, including controlled drug purchases. The September 30 announcement indicated that additional charges were anticipated as the investigation continued.
The allegations against Huey have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
