Seventy-two grams of suspected cocaine came out of a vehicle on state Route 73 in West Portsmouth on October 21, landing a Columbus man behind bars on first-degree felony charges.
The Traffic Stop on State Route 73
The Ohio State Highway Patrol pulled over a vehicle for traffic violations at approximately 4:27 p.m. near mile marker 24, according to a joint announcement from Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer.
Troopers searched the automobile during the stop and uncovered the suspected narcotics. Authorities estimate the street value of the seized substance sits at approximately $7,200.
Charges and Jail Booking for Jimmy Lee Jones
The driver, identified as 38-year-old Jimmy Lee Jones of Columbus, was taken into custody at the scene. Law enforcement booked him into the Scioto County Jail on one count of trafficking in drugs and one count of possession of drugs.
Both offenses are categorized as felonies of the first degree. The case now heads to the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, which will present the evidence to a Scioto County grand jury to determine if additional charges apply.
Ongoing Task Force Investigation
The operation stemmed from an active inquiry led by the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force in coordination with state troopers. Investigators have asked anyone holding further details regarding local drug distribution to reach out directly.
Tips can be directed to the task force line at (740) 354-3784 or through email at [email protected]. Authorities confirmed that all incoming information remains confidential and anonymous.
