TWO ARRESTED FOLLOWING DRUG SEIZURE DURING SCIOTO COUNTYTRAFFIC STOP

NEWS RELEASE

April 7th, 2026

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer announce that a West Portsmouth man and Portsmouth Woman were arrested on drug charges after an investigation conducted by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force in coordination with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

As part of the ongoing investigation, at approximately 7:39p.m. on April 6 th , 2026, the Ohio State Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on State Route 104 in West Portsmouth, Ohio, for traffic violations. During the stop, probable cause was established to search the vehicle which resulted in the seizure of approximately 803 grams of suspected methamphetamine, along with 27 grams of suspected fentanyl and 6 grams of suspected crack cocaine. The estimated street value of the suspected drugs seized is $35,960.

Arrested were 56-year-old Randy Stevens of West Portsmouth, Ohio and 28-year-old Jessica Darby of Portsmouth, Ohio.

Both Stevens and Darby were charged with Trafficking in Drugs, a felony of the 1 st degree and Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 1st degree.

Stevens and Darby were placed in the Scioto County Jail and were to be arraigned in Portsmouth Municipal Court at 9:00a.m. on Tuesday, April 7 th, 2026.

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.

Sheriff Thoroughman and Chief Brewer request anyone wishing to leave drug information for the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, should phone the Task Force tip line at (740) 354-3784 (DRUG) or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.