Pickaway County, OH — A routine traffic stop on September 17, 2024, led to the arrest of two individuals after law enforcement discovered methamphetamine in their vehicle.
At approximately 2:51 PM, a deputy with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office observed a gold 2005 Chevrolet Impala traveling southbound on US-23. The vehicle was moving at an unusually slow speed, causing a traffic backup of five cars. Additionally, the trunk lid was obstructing the driver’s view, prompting the deputy to initiate a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Mills, informed the officer that he believed the vehicle was overheating, which was the reason for his slow speed. A passenger, 28-year-old Janet Gehret, was found to have suspended driving privileges. Mills and Gehret stated they had recently purchased a motorcycle for $200 and were en route to Louisa, Kentucky.
During the stop, it was revealed that Mills had an outstanding warrant in Georgia, although it was not subject to pickup. Given the circumstances, a police canine unit was called to the scene to conduct a free-air sniff around the vehicle. The canine alerted officers to the presence of illicit drugs.
Upon searching the vehicle, deputies found several items in a green bag labeled “But Did You Die?” This included a scale with drug residue, a hypodermic needle, a glass pipe, and seven grams of methamphetamine. The hypodermic needle, containing an unknown liquid, was disposed of properly.
Mills was taken into custody after being read his Miranda rights, and a Taser was found on his person. Gehret, also advised of her rights, denied any ownership of the drugs, claiming they belonged to Mills, whom she had met online.
Both the Impala and the motorcycle were impounded by Fletcher’s Towing for further investigation. The motorcycle had not been registered in Ohio, raising suspicions of it being stolen.
Mills and Gehret were transported to the county jail, Mills charged with two counts of possession of drugs I,II, Possession of drug abuse instruments, and slow speed. Gehret was charged with two counts of possession of drugs I,II and possession of drug abuse instruments The suspected methamphetamine will undergo testing at the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Both are being held in Pickaway County jail
The case is ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the purchase and potential theft of the motorcycle.
