Tips lead to 25 charges

Less than a week after the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office searched four suspected methadone labs in the northern portion of the county the Grand Jury has indicted 11 residents in the New Richmond area.

According to Clermont County Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg, the indictments are the result of a six-month-long investigation by the Clermont County Narcotics Unit.

“The investigation was initiated after receiving information and leads from village officials and police that there appeared to be a surge in drug related activity and crimes” Sheriff Rodenberg said.

The indictments are all related to heroin, marijuana, and prescription drugs.

Kevin Morris, 42, of Amelia was indicted on Dec. 16, 2010 on four counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs, one count of tampering with evidence, and one count of possession of a weapon while under disability during a July 9, 2010 incident. An additional drug trafficking charge stemming from a Dec. 8, 2010 incident was dismissed. He was released from the Clermont County Jail on Dec. 20, 2010 on a $25,000 bond. Morris is expected to enter a plea Thursday, Feb. 3.

“Narcotics Unit agents with the assistance of New Richmond Police Officers and Clermont County Sheriff Deputies have commenced the process of apprehending the subjects named in the indictments,” Chief Deputy Rick Combs said. “Thus far five persons have been arrested and confined in the Clermont County jail. Deputies and officers will work through the day and night until all those indicted are found and arrested.”

Dakota “Cody” Boehm, 23, of New Richmond was indicted on Wednesday, Jan. 26 on one count of aggravated trafficking in drugs, which allegedly occurred on Oct. 27, 2010. He is currently being held at the Clermont County Jail where he is awaiting trial for the Dec. 4, 2010 robbery of the New Richmond BP Express gas station. The latest indictment raises his bond from $250,000 to $350,000.

Robin Egan, 38, of New Richmond was indicted on two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs, one count of trafficking in drugs, one count of trafficking in marijuana, and two counts of aggravated possession of drugs based on an incident that occurred on Oct. 27, 2010. She was arrested on Friday, Jan. 28 and released the same day on a $50,000 bond.

Phyllis Boehm, 52, of New Richmond was indicted on one count of trafficking in drugs for an incident that occurred on Nov. 16, 2010. She was served with a summons for the indictment on Thursday, Jan. 27. Sara Isaac, 18, of New Richmond was indicted on one count of illegal processing of drug documents during an incident on Oct. 31, 2010. She was served with a summons for the indictment on Friday, Jan. 28. Brian Yauger, 27, of New Richmond was indicted on one count of attempted deception to obtain a dangerous drug as a result of an Oct. 20, 2010 incident. He was served with a summons for the indictment on Thursday, Jan. 27.

Five of those indicted remain at large.

Tony Mattingly, 25, of New Richmond was indicted on three counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs, and three counts of aggravated possession of drugs after an incident on Oct. 26, 2010.

James Sipple, 66, of Batavia Township was indicted for one count of trafficking in marijuana and one count of trafficking in drugs stemming from an Oct. 25, 2010 incident. He was also indicted on a separate charge of receiving stolen property.

Derek Donell, 20, of New Richmond was indicted on one count of trafficking in heroin based on an incident that occurred on Oct. 27, 2010.

Richard Matthews, 29, of New Richmond was indicted on one count of aggravated trafficking in drugs from an Oct. 25, 2010 incident.

Christen Boone, 25, of Ripley was indicted on one count of possession of heroin stemming from an incident which occurred on Nov. 9, 2010.