COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus police officers have been arrested on federal charges alleging they stole multiple kilograms of cocaine and provided it to others to sell.
John Castillo, 31, of Grove City, and Joel M. Mefford, 34, of London, Ohio, were arrested today and appeared in federal court this afternoon, at which point their cases were unsealed.
According to Mefford’s indictment, in February 2020, he was investigating a drug crime and unlawfully gained access to a detached garage belonging to the subject of the investigation. It is alleged Mefford, without a warrant, discovered two kilograms of cocaine in the rafters of the garage. Mefford allegedly unlawfully seized one of the kilograms and left the other to be found during the execution of a search warrant the next morning. The defendant allegedly gave the stolen narcotics to an individual to sell.
Joel M. Mefford
Similarly, in February and March 2020, Mefford was investigating drug-trafficking activity at houses on Ambleside Drive and Kilbourne Avenue in Columbus. On March 7, 2020, the officer allegedly took a bag containing multiple kilograms of cocaine from the house on Ambleside Drive and arrested an individual there. He then allegedly traveled to the house on Kilbourne Avenue and removed a kilogram of cocaine. That same day, it is alleged Mefford turned in one kilogram of cocaine to evidence and stole the other kilograms to be sold.
It is further alleged that Mefford stole 20 kilograms of cocaine from the Columbus police property room in April 2020, replacing it with fake cocaine.
Mefford also allegedly deposited more than $72,000 in cash derived from the cocaine sales into his personal bank account.
Castillo’s indictment alleges that in February 2021, Castillo took approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue and did not turn it into evidence. He allegedly planted two additional kilograms of cocaine for law enforcement discovery later that day at the house. The 10 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly stored in another person’s basement before they were given to another individual to sell.
John Castillo
Castillo and Mefford are charged in separate indictments with possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Mefford is also charged with money laundering and two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Zrinka Dilber, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Are you ready for a night of laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments? Mark your calendars for February 17th, 2024, because “Scriptless in Seattle” is coming to The Ashland Theatre in Ashland, Ohio. This live, unscripted comedy show promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in stitches. Get ready for a night of hilarious sketches, improvised musicals, game shows, film noir, and so much more!
“Scriptless in Seattle” draws inspiration from the beloved show “Whose Line Is It Anyway” to create a truly unique and entertaining experience. The talented performers take audience suggestions and turn them into hilarious scenes, musical numbers, and games right before your eyes. No two shows are ever the same, so you can expect a fresh and exciting performance each time you attend.
One of the great things about “Scriptless in Seattle” is that it’s appropriate for the whole family. You can bring your kids to the show without worrying about inappropriate content or language. Unlike some comedy shows, “Scriptless in Seattle” doesn’t rely on crude humor or offensive jokes. It’s a comedy show that both kids and adults can enjoy together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The story behind “Scriptless in Seattle” is as entertaining as the show itself. It all started in early 2019 when a group of three comedy performers were asked to come up with a name right before a talent show fundraiser in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. After some quick brainstorming, they settled on a movie pun, paying homage to the iconic film “Sleepless in Seattle.” And just like that, “Scriptless in Seattle” was born.
The talented individuals behind “Scriptless in Seattle” bring their unique personalities and skills to the stage, creating a dynamic and unforgettable show. Let’s meet the cast:
When you attend a “Scriptless in Seattle” show, you can expect an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, surprises, and memorable moments. The cast’s quick wit and improvisational skills will keep you engaged from start to finish. So gather your family and friends and head to The Ashland Theatre on February 17th, 2024, at 7:00 pm for a night of live, unscripted comedy that’s guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the magic of “Scriptless in Seattle.” Get your tickets now and prepare for a night you won’t soon forget!
COLUMBUS –Members of the Ohio General Assembly and Pennsylvania Senate met in Columbus yesterday for a joint committee hearing to discuss energy reliability, sustainability, and affordability, announced House Public Utilities Chairman Dick Stein (R-Norwalk).
The hearing included testimony from PJM, the organization that manages the mid-Atlantic power grid, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and other energy industry experts.
“These hearings are intended to elevate the urgency of lost generation through the early forced retirement of our existing fossil fuel fleet and the rapidly growing need for additional, affordable generation,” said Stein. “I hope that together, government at all levels will work to solve this upcoming crisis to avoid a life-threatening catastrophic failure to our grid.”
The committee consisted of two panels that focused on state and national energy impacts and another that focused on consumer and generational impacts.
“Grid stability requires a diverse energy portfolio and actions taken by any one state can have resounding and immediate impacts on neighboring states,” said Pennsylvania Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Loyalsock Township). “I’m thankful to our neighbors in Ohio for recognizing the urgency of this issue and joining with me to proactively protect our region’s families and businesses from catastrophic rolling blackouts and skyrocketing costs.”
“The time is now to plan for the future of our ever-expanding energy needs. As a member of the Public Utilities Committee, we must be proactive in protecting Ohioans and our nation from unplanned power outages,” said Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County). “Our energy grid should increase in diversity to create a more sustainable future and avoid grid failure.”
“Fostering cross-state collaboration, the Joint Public Utilities Committee is a hub for shared knowledge and cooperative efforts. In addressing the energy needs of both states, this alliance paves the way for a resilient and sustainable future that is beneficial to communities on both sides of the border, especially when federal policies are limiting the PJM Interconnection,” said Rep. Darrell Kick (R-Loudonville). “A special thanks to Chairman Stein for his instrumental role in putting together this event, uniting legislators and initiatives for a brighter energy future.”
“Ohio has a booming economy, and this fact means we need reliable resources to power our businesses and homes,” said Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin). “Our goal and objective are to get the facts and understand them so we can enact good, strong energy policy so all Ohioans can keep the lights on. We also need to stand up for ourselves against rushed energy policies at all levels that do not correlate with our needs and wants.”
In a heartwarming testament to dedication and compassion, Ashland Police Division’s very own Records Specialist Bonnie Duncan has received a Letter of Commendation from Lieutenant Jerry Bloodhart for her extraordinary efforts in locating a wandering 9-year-old child on January 31, 2024.
Lt. Bloodhart expressed his gratitude, stating, “Bonnie’s shift had just ended when officers were desperately searching for a missing child from the Reagan Elementary area. Instead of heading home, Bonnie decided to take a different route and actively participate in the search. Her quick thinking paid off when she spotted a young male who matched the description of the runaway. Without hesitation, she promptly notified dispatchers of his location. This invaluable information allowed our officers to swiftly contact the child, confirm his identity, and bring him home safely.”
Lt. Bloodhart commended Bonnie’s selflessness and unwavering commitment to the community, remarking, “Our duty to the Ashland community goes beyond the confines of our office hours, and Bonnie exemplified this truth. Her genuine concern, keen attention to detail, and unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in successfully resolving this incident. We are incredibly proud of Bonnie’s exceptional work. Well done, Bonnie!”
This story serves as a powerful reminder that the Ashland Police Division’s invaluable service extends far beyond the documented records, showing how the compassion and dedication of individuals like Bonnie Duncan truly make a difference in our community.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio) — On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the devastating train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost vowed to get answers for the state’s lawsuit against Norfolk Southern in the absence of a full statement of facts from the primary investigating agency.
“This anniversary fuels so many emotions, and it’s understandable to want to bring this despairing chapter to a close,” Yost said. “But rushing matters would be a disservice to the community, as we still need answers to so many questions. Those answers will help us ensure that tragedies like this don’t happen again in Ohio or elsewhere.”
Disaster struck East Palestine a year ago on Feb. 3, the night that the Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in eastern Columbiana County, triggering the chemicals to release into the soil, water and atmosphere, and forcing the evacuation of thousands of area residents.
“There are whispers of a settlement being worked out to bring this tragedy to an end – and make no mistake, we all want closure on this avoidable disaster,” Yost said. “But I cannot, in good conscience, agree to a settlement without a detailed understanding of what happened, who is responsible, and how we avoid other communities like East Palestine from being victims to this type of incident. No responsible person should want a rush to judgment in the form of a settlement without having all the facts. It would be irresponsible.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the derailment but has yet to issue its completed findings.
In March, the Attorney General filed a 58-count federal lawsuit seeking to hold Norfolk Southern financially responsible for the derailment. Yost is anticipating the NTSB findings in hopes that they answer crucial questions regarding:
Details of the inspection, maintenance and use of the rail car on which the bearing failed.
What responsibilities the owners and shipper of the failed bearing car and the cars containing hazardous materials had to Norfolk Southern.
The criteria for the placement, inspection, and type of wayside safety equipment and detectors.
Were changes made to the system to make it more efficient.
Whether Norfolk Southern safety monitoring equipment was adequate.
Whether adjusted heat detection could have prevented the accident.
How the cars containing vinyl chloride were maintained and equipped with safety equipment.
Whether aluminum safety valves (rather than steel valves) had an effect.
Factors that went into the ‘vent and burn’ decision regarding the cars containing hazardous materials.
The team representing Ohio in the litigation met recently with Norfolk Southern to learn more details of the incident, noting that the railroad was cooperative. Still, many questions remain.
“The health and safety of the people of East Palestine, along with the restoration and maintenance of the surrounding environment, continue to be our top priorities,” Yost said. “No measure of time will impede the state’s desire to do right for the community now, and for many years to come.”
Yost added: I am committed to getting the people of East Palestine the answers and appropriate compensation they deserve, however long that takes.”
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Indian national pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to running a dark web narcotics conspiracy that moved hundreds of kilograms and tens of thousands of pills of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multi-million-dollar drug enterprise. According to the DEA, this case involves the largest single cryptocurrency and cash seizure in DEA history; the defendant has forfeited cryptocurrency accounts that ultimately became worth $150 million.
Specifically, Banmeet Singh, 40, of Haldwani, India, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Singh created vendor marketing sites on dark web marketplaces such as Silk Road 1, Silk Road 2, Alpha Bay, Hansa and others, to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, Ketamine and Tramadol.
Customers ordered controlled substances from Singh using the vendor sites and by paying with cryptocurrency. Singh then personally shipped or arranged the shipment of controlled substances from Europe to the United States through U.S. mail or other shipping services.
From at least mid-2012 through July 2017, Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the United States, including one in Columbus. Other distribution cells were in Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota and Washington. Individuals in those distribution cells received drug shipments from overseas and then re-packaged and re-shipped the drugs to locations in all 50 states, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Singh was arrested in London in April 2019 and the government secured his extradition to the United States in 2023. Singh is one of eight defendants who were members of this drug trafficking organization who have been convicted of drug trafficking charges throughout the United States.
“In the Singh organization’s drug orders, the members frequently used the vendor name ‘Liston’ and signed off with the signature phrase, ‘I’m still dancing.’ Today, with Banmeet Singh’s plea of guilty, the dance is over,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
“Banmeet Singh and traffickers like him think they can operate anonymously on the dark web and evade prosecution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea, which includes forfeiture of approximately $150 million in cryptocurrency, demonstrates that the Justice Department will hold criminals who violate U.S. law accountable no matter how they conceal their activity. Together with our international partners, we will continue to find criminals lurking in the darkness and bring their crimes to light.”
“Banmeet Singh is designated as a Consolidated Priority Target, which makes him one of the most significant drug trafficking threats in the world,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “He is responsible for shipping massive quantities of deadly drugs throughout the United States, mostly purchased on the internet and sent through the mail. His criminal enterprise has caused untold suffering to perhaps tens of thousands of people throughout the country. Along with our global network of law enforcement partners, the investigation into his associates will continue, wherever they operate, until the threat to our communities has been stopped.”
Parker, Argentieri and Greene were joined by Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the IRS’ Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office, Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Pittsburgh Division, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, Upper Arlington Police Chief Steve Farmer, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and officials with the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center in announcing today’s guilty plea.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Central Authority (UKCA) provided significant assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Singh from the UK.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Hunter of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Emily Cohen of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, people eagerly await the predictions of furry weather forecasters such as Punxsutawney Phil. However, this year, another groundhog made his debut appearance in Jeromesville, Ohio—”Plum Creek Chuck”. Owned by Ed Spreng,
Plum Creek Chuck has a distinct coloration, making him quite unique. But can we trust his prediction for an early spring? Let’s take a closer look at the world of groundhog weather forecasting and see if Plum Creek Chuck is the real deal.
Plum Creek Chuck’s coming-out party took place at 103 Performance, a small motorcycle repair shop and gas station located at 103 W Main St in Jeromesville. Approximately 15 people gathered to witness this rare occasion. Plum Creek Chuck, having been shot in the Loudonville area last year, was sent to a taxidermist due to his distinct coloration. As he emerged from his cozy corner, he didn’t see his shadow, igniting hopes for an early spring.
While Plum Creek Chuck’s prediction is exciting, it’s essential to look at the track record of the most renowned groundhog prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil. Thousands of people flock to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, every year to see Phil in action. As the chants of “Phil! Phil! Phil!” fill the air, Phil emerges from a stump on Gobbler’s Knob to make his prediction.
This year, Punxsutawney Phil delighted the crowd by forecasting an early spring. However, it’s important to note that Phil’s accuracy hasn’t always been spot-on. According to records kept by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil has predicted 108 continued winters and only 21 early springs as of 2024. This equates to a modest 39% accuracy rate.
With Punxsutawney Phil’s less-than-stellar accuracy rate, it’s natural to question the credibility of groundhog predictions. The National Centers for Environmental Information, an agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, even conducted a study comparing Phil’s forecast with U.S. national temperatures over the past decade. They concluded that Phil was right only 40% of the time.
Considering these statistics, can we trust Plum Creek Chuck’s prediction? Ed Spreng, the proud owner of Plum Creek Chuck, acknowledges that his groundhog is new to the forecasting world and may not be entirely accurate. However, he is hopeful that Plum Creek Chuck is on the right track.
Despite his rookie status, Plum Creek Chuck has made his mark in the groundhog forecasting realm. Ed Spreng assures us that Chuck will be back next year, ready to make another prediction. While only time will tell if Plum Creek Chuck’s forecasting abilities are truly reliable, it is exciting to have a local groundhog to watch and anticipate.
Groundhog Day is a beloved tradition that captures the curiosity and excitement of people worldwide. Whether it’s Punxsutawney Phil or Plum Creek Chuck, these furry weather forecasters add a touch of whimsy to our lives. While Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy rate may not be the best, there’s still hope for Plum Creek Chuck to accurately predict the changing seasons. Only time will reveal if he truly has the expertise to rival the iconic Phil. So, let’s embrace the anticipation and keep an eye out for signs of an early spring.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Indian national pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to running a dark web narcotics conspiracy that moved hundreds of kilograms and tens of thousands of pills of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multi-million-dollar drug enterprise. According to the DEA, this case involves the largest single cryptocurrency and cash seizure in DEA history; the defendant has forfeited cryptocurrency accounts that ultimately became worth $150 million.
Specifically, Banmeet Singh, 40, of Haldwani, India, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Singh created vendor marketing sites on dark web marketplaces such as Silk Road 1, Silk Road 2, Alpha Bay, Hansa and others, to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, Ketamine and Tramadol.
Customers ordered controlled substances from Singh using the vendor sites and by paying with cryptocurrency. Singh then personally shipped or arranged the shipment of controlled substances from Europe to the United States through U.S. mail or other shipping services.
From at least mid-2012 through July 2017, Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the United States, including one in Columbus. Other distribution cells were in Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota and Washington. Individuals in those distribution cells received drug shipments from overseas and then re-packaged and re-shipped the drugs to locations in all 50 states, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Singh was arrested in London in April 2019 and the government secured his extradition to the United States in 2023. Singh is one of eight defendants who were members of this drug trafficking organization who have been convicted of drug trafficking charges throughout the United States.
“In the Singh organization’s drug orders, the members frequently used the vendor name ‘Liston’ and signed off with the signature phrase, ‘I’m still dancing.’ Today, with Banmeet Singh’s plea of guilty, the dance is over,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
“Banmeet Singh and traffickers like him think they can operate anonymously on the dark web and evade prosecution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea, which includes forfeiture of approximately $150 million in cryptocurrency, demonstrates that the Justice Department will hold criminals who violate U.S. law accountable no matter how they conceal their activity. Together with our international partners, we will continue to find criminals lurking in the darkness and bring their crimes to light.”
“Banmeet Singh is designated as a Consolidated Priority Target, which makes him one of the most significant drug trafficking threats in the world,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “He is responsible for shipping massive quantities of deadly drugs throughout the United States, mostly purchased on the internet and sent through the mail. His criminal enterprise has caused untold suffering to perhaps tens of thousands of people throughout the country. Along with our global network of law enforcement partners, the investigation into his associates will continue, wherever they operate, until the threat to our communities has been stopped.”
Parker, Argentieri and Greene were joined by Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the IRS’ Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office, Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Pittsburgh Division, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, Upper Arlington Police Chief Steve Farmer, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and officials with the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center in announcing today’s guilty plea.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Central Authority (UKCA) provided significant assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Singh from the UK.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Hunter of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Emily Cohen of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
(AKRON, Ohio) — Armed with a cutting-edge facial reconstruction of a John Doe whose remains were found in Akron eight years ago, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Summit County Medical Examiner Dr. Lisa Kohler today renewed a public call for help in identifying the man.
Under a partnership between the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and The Ohio State University, experts in forensic art and 3D imaging created the photo-realistic renderings in hopes that someone recognizes the man and comes forward with information that could help identify him.
“You’re given a name on your first day, and it should live on after your last day,” Yost said. “Help us do right by this man: If his face looks familiar, please tell us what you know.”
The technology shows what a person may have looked like at different ages and with different features, including eye color, skin tone and hairstyle – a technique that increases the chances of someone recognizing the person.
“I am hopeful that the variety of digital images created with this new technology will help us to identify this person and allow us to give his family closure regarding his whereabouts,” Dr. Kohler said. “I am grateful to all the people involved in this process for their ongoing support in helping us to resolve this case.”
The digital reconstruction is one of several created recently by BCI and OSU’s Office of Academic Affairs Digital Learning and the university’s Advance Computing Center for the Arts and Design. In this case, the images were based on 3D scans of a clay model sculpted in 2017 by BCI’s forensic artist.
The case dates to Jan. 8, 2016, when a passerby found the man’s skull on a sidewalk outside a burned-out house at 1345 Marcy St. in Akron. Investigators located more of the man’s remains inside the abandoned home.
Burn marks suggest that the remains had been at the address since at least 2012, when a fire damaged the structure. Along with the remains, authorities recovered clothing, a belt, shoes, keys and part of a dental appliance.
The man is believed to have been Caucasian, 5 feet 9 inches tall, and between 30 and 55 years old. His cause of death is unknown, and investigators are unsure how his skull ended up on the sidewalk.
Anyone with information about the case should contact BCI at 740-845-2406 or the Akron Police Department at 330-375-2490.
The annual Child Safety Identification Program, “Safe Surfin”, will be held at
the Buckeye Imagination Museum on February 10th 2024, from 10:00 AM –
2:00 PM.
This event will be held in conjunction with the Lexington Moose Lodge #2511
and will include representatives from many of our local law enforcement
agencies. “Safe Surfin” is a free event where officers will record each
participating child’s information, fingerprints and pictures to put on a disc to
give to the parents for safe keeping. No information on the child is kept by the
officers or other agencies. Children of all ages are welcome.
Buckeye Imagination Museum will be giving out free passes for a future visit
to children that participate in the event. Come out and meet the officers who
protect your community on a daily basis. If anyone has questions, please feel
free to contact Sgt. Jon Ahles of the Mansfield Division of Police at 419-755-
9740.
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Are you ready for a night of laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments? Mark your calendars for February 17th, 2024, because 
COLUMBUS –Members of the Ohio General Assembly and Pennsylvania Senate met in Columbus yesterday for a joint committee hearing to discuss energy reliability, sustainability, and affordability, announced House Public Utilities Chairman Dick Stein (R-Norwalk).
Joe Lyons •
February 3, 2024
According to Mefford’s indictment, in February 2020, he was investigating a drug crime and unlawfully gained access to a detached garage belonging to the subject of the investigation. It is alleged Mefford, without a warrant, discovered two kilograms of cocaine in the rafters of the garage. Mefford allegedly unlawfully seized one of the kilograms and left the other to be found during the execution of a search warrant the next morning. The defendant allegedly gave the stolen narcotics to an individual to sell.
Castillo’s indictment alleges that in February 2021, Castillo took approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue and did not turn it into evidence. He allegedly planted two additional kilograms of cocaine for law enforcement discovery later that day at the house. The 10 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly stored in another person’s basement before they were given to another individual to sell.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Indian national pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to running a dark web narcotics conspiracy that moved hundreds of kilograms and tens of thousands of pills of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multi-million-dollar drug enterprise. According to the DEA, this case involves the largest single cryptocurrency and cash seizure in DEA history; the defendant has forfeited cryptocurrency accounts that ultimately became worth $150 million.
On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, people eagerly await the predictions of furry weather forecasters such as Punxsutawney Phil. However, this year, another groundhog made his debut appearance in Jeromesville, Ohio—”Plum Creek Chuck”. Owned by Ed Spreng,
Despite his rookie status, Plum Creek Chuck has made his mark in the groundhog forecasting realm. Ed Spreng assures us that Chuck will be back next year, ready to make another prediction. While only time will tell if Plum Creek Chuck’s forecasting abilities are truly reliable, it is exciting to have a local groundhog to watch and anticipate.
