Athens County OH- On June 11, 2020, Criminal Interdiction Units along with the Major Crimes Units executed a search warrant at 7 Beech Road, The Plains, Ohio, after a lengthy investigation into suspected drug
trafficking.
Deputies detained five (5) persons within the home and began a search. Search yielded approximately (23) grams of suspected heroin, suspected methamphetamine, digital scales, and abuse instruments associated with the drugs. Deputies also seized an amount of Schedule IV prescription narcotics including Xanax and Suboxone packaged for sale.
In addition, deputies recovered a .380 handgun and two (2) other firearms within the residence. All items seized are being sent for laboratory testing with additional charges pending those results.
Sheriff Rodney Smith states,
“Ezekiel (Zeke) Smith, age 29, The Plains, was arrested on (4) four active warrants for two (2) counts of Receiving Stolen Property, three (3) counts of Theft and one (1) count of Identity Fraud. Smith has now been charged with Aggravated Drug Trafficking a felony of the 2nd degree, Aggravated Drug Trafficking a felony of the 5th degree, Aggravated Possession of Drugs a felony of the 2nd degree, Aggravated Possession of Drugs a felony of the 5th degree, and Having Weapons While Under Disability a felony of the 3rd degree.
Brandie Swaro, age 37, The Plains, was arrested on a warrant for Failure to Appear (FTA) on a charge of Illegal Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Swaro has now been charged with
Complicity to Drug Trafficking a felony of the 2nd degree.
James Howerton, age 46, The Plains, was arrested and has been charged with Permitting Drug
Abuse a felony of the 5th degree.
Andrea Woods, age 26, The Plains, was arrested on four (4) active warrants for two (2) counts of Failure to Appear (FTA) on charges of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, and two (2) counts of Theft Without Consent.
Smith, Swaro, and Howerton were taken to SEORJ without incident, and Woods was transported to Athens County Common Pleas Court for appearance on her warrants”.
Sheriff Smith further states, “I would like to thank the Criminal Interdiction Units and the
Major Crimes Units for their continued effort in making our community, neighborhoods, and
our citizens of Athens County safe”.
