Pike County Sheriff announces arrests in Waverly drug investigation

Ohio Attorney General David Yost, Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans, Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, Pike County Prosecutor Michael Davis, Scioto County Prosecutor Shane Tieman, Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer and New Boston Police Chief Carl Compton announced Monday that three people have been arrested after a search warrant was executed in Waverly.

On Thursday, Feb. 8, the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Waverly Police Department and the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office, served an arrest warrant and a search warrant at a home on state Route 220 in Waverly. This incident came after investigations into alleged drug trafficking in the village of Waverly and Pike County.  

A firearm was allegedly located in the home, along with digital scales, drug paraphernalia and other evidentiary items. 

The following suspects were arrested at the scene:

• Travis Dingess, 50, of Waverly was charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs and aggravated possession of drugs, both felonies of the second degree with a firearm specification; and having weapons under disability, a felony of the third degree.

• Tawana Scott, 47, of Waverly, was charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs and aggravated possession of drugs, both felonies of the second degree, with a firearm specification, and  having weapons under disability, a felony of the third degree.

• Gary Cavinder, 37, of Beaver was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of vandalism, a felony of the fourth degree; possessing criminal tools, a felony of the fifth degree; and theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

This case is still under investigation, and additional evidence will be presented to a Pike County grand jury for consideration of additional charges.