Ashland Man Indicted on Drug and Evidence Tampering Charges Following METRICH Search Warrant
ASHLAND, OH — August 8, 2025 — An Ashland man has been indicted by an Ashland County Grand Jury on multiple felony charges after a joint investigation by the Ashland Police Division and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office culminated in a drug search warrant executed earlier this month.
Search Warrant and Arrest
On August 6, 2025, detectives with the Ashland Police Division and deputies assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit served a drug search warrant at 400 Vine Street. According to court records, officers forced entry into the residence after no one responded at the door. Inside, they located Damian Vandriest, 30, of Ashland, who was immediately detained.
During the search, officers reported discovering 1.623 grams of methamphetamine in Vandriest’s bedroom. Investigators noted that Vandriest had visible drug residue on his nose and mustache, and the suspect admitted he had attempted to snort some of the methamphetamine in an effort to destroy evidence. He was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the Ashland County Jail.
Grand Jury Indictment
Vandriest was indicted by the Ashland County Grand Jury on several charges, including:
Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs (F5), in violation of Ohio Revised Code 2925.11, involving methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Specification: Vandriest was in possession of $292 in U.S. currency, which prosecutors allege were drug proceeds or intended for use in further drug transactions.
Count Two: Tampering with Evidence (F3), in violation of Ohio Revised Code 2921.12(B), for attempting to consume methamphetamine during the search to prevent its seizure.
Count Three: Possessing Criminal Tools (F5), in violation of Ohio Revised Code 2923.24(A), after officers found scales, torches, magnetic boxes, and plastic baggies believed to be used in drug trafficking activity.
Prior Record and Court Proceedings
Court documents show Vandriest has a prior criminal history in Ashland County, including multiple drug-related convictions in 2019 and 2023, as well as charges for falsification and possession of drug paraphernalia.
At a bond hearing on August 8, 2025, Vandriest appeared via video before Magistrate Paul T. Lange of the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas. Prosecutors recommended bond based on the nature of the charges and Vandriest’s criminal record.
The court set bond at $10,000, allowing for release on 10 percent cash, surety, or real estate bond. Conditions of bond include:
Prohibition from leaving the state of Ohio without permission.
Mandatory court appearances.
Compliance with all state laws.
Prohibition of drugs, alcohol, or any THC-related products.
Random drug and alcohol testing at Vandriest’s expense.
A required drug and alcohol assessment and compliance with treatment recommendations.
Attorney John Pyle was appointed to represent Vandriest after the court determined he qualified as indigent.
Next Court Appearance
Vandriest is scheduled for a criminal video appearance on August 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas.
The case is being prosecuted by Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell.
