A 34-year-old man is in police custody after agents with the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force allegedly found powder and crack cocaine in his apartment. The suspect has been charged with one count of first-degree felony drug possession. Police say he will face additional charges for drug distribution.
Authorities say they began investigating the suspect after receiving a tip from an informant, who claimed the man possessed a large quantity of cocaine. Officers then obtained a search warrant for the man's apartment and a second for his business, a local barber shop. Upon entry to the residence, the officers claim to have discovered tools typically used in the manufacturing of crack cocaine.
Agents with the CODETF also allegedly found five ounces of crack and powder cocaine, as well as an undisclosed amount of cocaine hidden on and inside the suspect's body. Police also claim to have found drugs on an individual who they say removed them from the suspect's business. While a police statement said that the suspect's accomplice could also face drug charges, it is unclear if any have been filed.
The CODETF claims to have recovered more than 100 grams of cocaine in total. Because of the volume of drugs involved, the suspect could be deemed a major drug offender, which means the man would face a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted. His bond has been set at $100,000.
Charges like this are serious, and so are the consequences. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney would be a good first step in ensuring that no legal rights were violated during the execution of the search warrants.
Source: Newark Advocate, "Newark man arrested for having large amounts of cocaine," Jessie Balmert, Dec. 8, 2011