Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced on Monday, April 8, 2024, that his office’s 911 communication center received a distress call at 2:33 pm from a resident in the 7000 block of St. Rt. 125. The caller reported that two men were attempting to break into her house. Upon being confronted by the caller’s husband, the intruders fled through the rear of the property in a burgundy Ford Ranger.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that deputies promptly responded to the scene, scouring the surrounding area for the suspects and launching an investigation into the incident. Later that day, at 6:03 pm, the victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office Communication Center again, informing them that she had spotted the suspect’s truck parked in a driveway on St. Rt. 104 in Lucasville.
In collaboration with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, deputies descended upon the location and apprehended a male suspect. Following extensive interviews with witnesses, including the victims, detectives identified a second male suspect. The Portsmouth Police Department was enlisted to check the Royal Inn for the whereabouts of the second suspect, who was subsequently located and detained.
During a search of the suspects’ premises on St. Rt. 104, detectives made a significant discovery. They recovered a cache of stolen items, including several 4-wheelers, a motorcycle, a 16-foot trailer, tools, camping gear, deer heads, a riding lawn mower, jewelry, appliances, and various other miscellaneous items.
Authorities arrested Brandon Cantrell, 41, of 10637 St. Rt. 104 Lucasville, Ohio, charging him with three counts of Burglary (a felony of the 2nd degree), two counts of Breaking & Entering (a felony of the 5th degree), and two counts of Grand Theft (a felony of the 4th degree). Cantrell appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court and is being held on a $150,000 bond.
Jeremy C. McGhee, 42, homeless of Portsmouth, Ohio, was also arrested in connection with the crimes. He faces similar charges, including three counts of Burglary, two counts of Breaking & Entering, two counts of Grand Theft, and a parole violation. McGhee is currently detained without bond.
Sheriff Thoroughman emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and may lead to additional charges related to thefts and burglaries in the western part of Scioto County. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
