Portsmouth Man Arrested on Drug Charges

NEWS RELEASE

November 4th, 2025

Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer and Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announce that a Portsmouth man was arrested on drug charges after an investigation conducted by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.

At approximately 3:34p.m. on November 3, 2025, task force officers, assisted by Portsmouth Police Dept. SWAT, executed a narcotics - related search warrant at the residence of sixty-two year-old, John Wallington, located at 1822 Dexter Ave. Portsmouth, Ohio. Upon a search of the residence, officers seized approximately 81.73 grams of suspected fentanyl / opiates, 9.39 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 5 loaded firearms, digital scales, baggies, $3,801 cash, and additional evidence of drug trafficking. Estimated street value of suspected drugs seized is $10,963.

John Wallington was arrested and charged with Trafficking and Possession of Drugs, both felonies of the 1st degree.

Wallington was placed in the Scioto County Jail and is to be arraigned in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday November 4, 2025 at 9:00a.m.

The case will eventually be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor's Office to be presented to a Scioto County Grand Jury for the consideration of additional felony charges.

Chief Brewer and Sheriff Thoroughman would like to thank the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force for their assistance with the warrant execution.

Chief Brewer and Sheriff Thoroughman request anyone wishing to leave drug information for the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, should phone the Task Force tip line at (740) 354-5656 or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.