HPD, GPD Joint Special Response Team executes simultaneous warrants on suspected drug activity

The Hillsboro and Greenfield police departments Special Response Team (SRT) executed two simultaneous search warrants in Hillsboro early Wednesday morning.

With the nine-member SRT and supporting officers and K-9 units, search warrants were executed at a residence in the 400 block of North High Street and the 500 block of North East Street at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 25.

Highland County Assistant Prosecutor Molly Bolek and Hillsboro Safety and Service Director Rick Giroux accompanied officers. A paramedic was on standby.

Hillsboro Police Sgt. Steve Browder and Officer Aaron Reynolds briefed officers prior to the searches around midnight from the HPD.

Browder explained that they were searching for specific individuals at each location. The SRTs were divided into two teams. They were given advance instructions on security, including potential weapons, possible children in the respective homes, evidence, containment and additional support from officers on patrol.

Warrants were issued for Sandra Lamb, 22, at the North High Street residence and for Rodney Steward, 48, at the North East Street home. 

Lamb was charged with three counts of trafficking in illegal drugs, felonies of the fourth degree, and three counts of possession of a controlled substance, felonies of the fifth degree.

Steward was charged with two counts of trafficking in illegal drugs, felonies of the fourth degree; two counts of possession of a controlled substance, felonies of the fourth degree; and two counts of complicity to trafficking in illegal drugs, felonies of the fifth degree.

Robert Woodyard, 31, of Hillsboro, was charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance, a felony of the fourth degree.

Christopher Brigner, 28, of Hillsboro, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

Stephanie Blair, 24, of Hillsboro, was charged with possession of drug abuse instrument, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Brianna LaLonde, 20, of Blanchester, was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant.

Eldon D. Lamb, 24,of Hillsboro, was arrested on an ouststanding bench warrant.

There were no injuries reported and no shots fired.

Among the items recovered were heroin, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash.

Two young children were placed in the care of Highland County Children Services.

Prior to the Hillsboro searches, the Greenfield Police Department Special Response Team had a separate drug-related investigation Tuesday evening, Browder said.

"We don't want these drugs in our community. We don't want them reaching the kids," Browder said. "These (officers) come to work every day, they train, they patrol to keep the community safe.

"We're doing everything within our limited means to do this."

Hillsboro Police Chief Nick Thompson extended an invitation to local media to cover the searches, with some restrictions for safety precautions.

Like Browder, the chief said additional funds for these investigations aren't readily available due to budget restraints. The funding for this morning's joint SRT operation was through prior drug arrests, Thompson said.

By combining resources from HPD and GPD, it "doubles the size of our team and it doesn't cost any extra," Browder said.

Prior to leaving the police station, Giroux advised officers, "You guys be safe out there."