PICKAWAY – According to Sheriff Robert B. Radcliff on June 11, 2020 at around 2:20AM Sgt Kyle Eveland observed a black 2004 Honda Accord south bound on US 23 Rte just south of North Court Street.
Initially Sgt Eveland observed criminal indicators and quickly learned that the Honda Accord had fictitious license plates.
Sgt Eveland initiated a traffic stop on US Rte 23 in the area of Taco Bell, the vehicle got stopped on the lot of Tractor Supply, 23735 US Rte 23 South Circleville, Ohio.
Sgt Eveland made contact with the driver Johnny R. Kerns 39-year-old male out of Piketon, Ohio. Sgt Eveland learned that Johnny Kerns driver’s license was suspended. When Johnny Kerns got out of the vehicle Sgt Eveland observed a glass pipe on the floorboard. Johnny Kerns was then patted down and Sgt Eveland located approximately 5
ounces of suspected crystal methamphetamine, plastic bags and over $1,350 cash.
During the inventory of the vehicle Sgt Eveland and Deputy Clark Kreager located more drug paraphernalia, and a HiPoint 9MM handgun.
Johnny Kerns was transported to the Pickaway County Jail where he is charged with Trafficking in Drugs a Felony of the second degree, Possession of Drugs a Felony of the second degree, Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle a Felony of the fourth degree, Having Weapons While Under Disability a Felony of the third degree, Tampering With Evidence a Felony of the third degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia a Misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
The case remains under investigation by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and the US 23 Major Crimes Task Force.
The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with drug tips, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at their anonymous tips line at [email protected] . Without the help of the communities’ tips we would not be successful in our efforts of keeping the community safe and fighting drug abuse.
