Columbus Man Arrested After Drug Seizure During Scioto County Traffic Stop

NEWS RELEASE

October 22nd, 2026

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer announce the arrest of a Columbus man on felony drug charges. The arrest followed an investigation by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force in coordination with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

As part of that ongoing investigation, at approximately 4:27 p.m. on October 21, 2026, the Ohio State Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle for traffic violations near mile marker 24 on State Route 73 in West Portsmouth. During the stop, troopers seized approximately 72 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $7,200.

Jimmy Lee Jones, 38, of Columbus, was arrested and charged with one count of Trafficking in Drugs and one count of Possession of Drugs. Both are felonies of the first degree.

Jones was booked into the Scioto County Jail and is scheduled to be arraigned at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Portsmouth Municipal Court.

The case will be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor's Office for presentation to a Scioto County Grand Jury, which may consider additional charges.

Sheriff Thoroughman and Chief Brewer encourage anyone with information about drug activity to contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force tip line at (740) 354-3784 (DRUG) or by email at drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.

Sheriff David Thoroughman

Scioto County Sheriff’s Office

1025 16th Street

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Office 740-355-8261