Three people arrested on drug and weapon charges following a traffic stop

NEWS RELEASE

January 26, 2024

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announces that three (3) individuals have been arrested on drug and weapon charges following a traffic stop on Cook Road in Lucasville, Ohio.

Sheriff Thoroughman states that on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at approximately 1:42pm, Scioto County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Lewis observed a red Dodge vehicle traveling north bound on US 23 with an expired registration. Deputy Lewis, who was in front of the vehicle, slowed down to allow the vehicle to pass him. The driver of the vehicle would not pass and took an immediate right turn unto Cook Road.

Deputy Lewis was able to catch up to the vehicle and made a traffic stop on Cook Road near the

intersection of Woodland. Deputy Lewis discovered that the driver of the vehicle, Tiffany Blanton, did not have a valid operator’s license and that she had an active warrant for her arrest out of Pike County.

Deputy Lewis established probable cause to search the vehicle and he waited for additional deputies to arrive to conduct the search. Inside the vehicle deputies located a loaded 9 MM handgun hidden under the front passenger seat, a bottle containing two plastic bags with what appears to be fentanyl, digital scales which are used to sell illegal narcotics, a jar containing a crystal-like substance which appears to be meth.

Arrested was Chris Madden, age 39, from 2551 Richie Street Portsmouth, Ohio. Madden was charged with Trafficking in Drugs, a felony of the 2nd degree, Having Weapon While Under Disability, a felony of the 3rd degree, and Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 3rd degree. Also arrested was Tiffany Blanton, age 38, from 2019 Pennington Road Waverly, Ohio. Blanton was charged with Trafficking in Drugs, a felony of the 2nd degree, and Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 3rd degree, and Mark Swain, age 31, from 409 East Third Street Piketon, Ohio. Swain was charged with Trafficking in Drugs, a felony of the 2nd degree, Having Weapon While Under Disability, a felony of the 3rd degree and Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 3rd degree.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation and this case will be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury for the consideration of additional charges.