3 people arrested on drug and weapon charges following traffic stop in Lucasville

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced Friday that three individuals have been arrested on drug and weapon charges following a traffic stop on Cook Road in Lucasville.

Sheriff Thoroughman states that on Thursday, Jan. 25, at approximately 1:42 p.m., Scioto County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Lewis observed a red Dodge vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. 23 with an allegedly expired registration. Deputy Lewis, who was in front of the vehicle, slowed down to allow the vehicle to pass him. The driver of the vehicle would not pass and took an immediate right turn unto Cook Road.

Deputy Lewis was able to catch up to the vehicle and made a traffic stop on Cook Road near the intersection of Woodland. Deputy Lewis discovered that the driver of the vehicle, Tiffany Blanton, allegedly did not have a valid operator’s license and that she had an active warrant for her arrest out of Pike County.

Deputy Lewis established probable cause to search the vehicle, and he waited for additional deputies to arrive to conduct the search. Inside thesecond vehicle, deputies allegedly located a loaded 9MM handgun hidden under the front passenger seat, a bottle containing two plastic bags with what appeared to be fentanyl, digital scales which are used to sell illegal narcotics and a jar containing a crystal-like substance which appeared to be meth.

Chris Madden, 39, of Portsmouth was charged with trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree; having weapon while under disability, a felony of the third degree, and possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree. 

Also arrested was Tiffany Blanton, 38, of Waverly, who was charged with trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree, and possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree. 

Mark Swain, 31, of Piketon, was also charged with trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree; having weapon while under disability, a felony of the third degree; and possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation, and this case will be presented to the Scioto County grand jury for the consideration of additional charges.