Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney's Office
Southern District of Ohio
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Benjamin C. Glassman
U.S. Attorney Announces Indictments for Gun and Drug Crimes in Washington County
Local and federal partnership leads to arrests
Local and federal partnership leads to arrests
MARIETTA, Ohio – Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, today announced three indictments against alleged drug dealers in Marietta and Washington County.
Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Marietta Police Chief Rodney Hupp, Washington County Sheriff Larry R. Mincks, Sr., Rocky Nelson, Executive Director, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OCIC), and officials in the Major Crimes Task Force joined U.S. Attorney Glassman in announcing the charges.
The first indictment charges Andrew Lee McCarty, 30, with conspiracy and illegal distribution of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine. The crime has a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.
The second indictment charges Darren M. Edwards, 54, with unlawful possession and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and illegal possession of a firearm. If convicted, Edwards faces at least five years and up to 40 years in prison.
The third indictment charges Darren C. Dunkle, 43, with possession and distribution of methamphetamine. That crime is punishable by at least five years and up to 40 years in prison.
Agents and officers arrested Dunkle and Edwards last week. McCarty was transferred into federal custody today. They will be taken to Columbus to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigations by the DEA, ATF, Marietta Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, OCIC and the agencies participating in the Major Crimes Task Force. Those agencies include the Belpre Police Department, Marietta Police Department, McConnelsville Police Department, Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Noble County Prosecutor’s Office, Noble County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Glassman also commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Kelley, who is representing the United States in these cases.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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