WMOA News

Six Busted in Moody Ridge Heroin Raid

Posted on: 01/29/2013

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said late this morning that six suspects have been arrested on a variety of charges following the execution of a search warrant this morning at 1110 Moody Ridge Road, Vincent. That’s in southern Dunham Township near the Belpre Township line.

The arrested suspects and their respective charges and bonds:

Michael Richards, age 35, of 1110 Moody Ridge Road, for third-degree felony possession of heroin in an amount over 5 grams - $15,000 bond;

Eric Siders, age 24, of 6070 Sandhill Road, Marietta, for fifth-degree felony possession of heroin - $5,000 bond;

Chelsie Cochran, age 19, of 121 Warner Street, Marietta, for fifth-degree possession of heroin - $2,500 bond;

Shawn Sims age 22, of Reedsville, in Meigs County, for third-degree tampering with evidence - $5,000 bond;

Ali Martin, age 23, of 101 Stonecrest Drive, Marietta, for misdemeanor possession of drug abuse instruments - $1,500 bond;

Heather Thompson, age 24, of 116 Harmar Street, Marietta, for misdemeanor disorderly conduct - $500 bond;

According to the Sheriff’s Office, upon entering the residence, Major Crimes Task Force agents saw Michael Richards seated at a table with Siders and Cochran, and observed a syringe loaded with a brown substance believed to be heroin and spoon containing a brown substance, also believed to be heroin.

On the floor near where Richards was seated, agents discovered three packages of heroin weighing a fraction over five grams (5.04). Questioned about the heroin, Richards said both Cochran and Siders were preparing to use the heroin on the table and stated that he just traveled to Columbus to obtain a supply of heroin and that the three bags of heroin near the table were his.

During the process of securing individuals, Shawn Sims was placed into handcuffs and placed on the floor and advised to sit still. Agents then observed Sims attempting to conceal a syringe between two plastic barrels. Sims admitted that the syringe fell out of his pants and that he was attempting to hide it.

During the execution of the search warrant, Ali Martin arrived at the residence. A search of her vehicle yielded a syringe, syringe caps and some cotton, commonly used in the injection of heroin.

The Task Force says it believes Michael Richards to be one of the county’s largest heroin dealers. Seized from the residence were a television set, believed to have been stolen in a recent burglary, as well as a pickup truck and an all-terrain vehicle that agents believe were given to Richards to pay off a drug debt.

As of late this morning, all of the suspects remained in the Washington County Jail in lieu of bond.