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A traffic stop Saturday afternoon led authorities to a large drug bust at a Bellefontaine residence, where they found almost a half-pound of cocaine, about 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana and $24,500.
Keith A. Close, 37, of 508 Highview Drive, Bellefontaine, has been charged with first-degree felony counts of trafficking in drugs and possession of cocaine and a fifth-degree felony count of possession of marijuana.
Logan County Prosecutor Eric Stewart said his office prepared a search warrant for the residence and deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant Saturday night.
“It’s a massive bust, especially for our county,” Mr. Stewart said. “This is a pretty big hit.”
Deputies, Bellefontaine Police Department officers and the Logan County Joint Drug Task Force had received multiple reports of recent suspicious activity at the Highview Drive address. Neighbors reportedly had observed a black Nissan making deliveries to the home, Sheriff Randall J. Dodds said.
About 3 p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a report of a vehicle that had been at the home, and initiated a traffic stop with the vehicle on Hayes Street near Columbus Avenue.
The driver, Dusten D. Dye, 33, of Ludlow Falls, advised deputies that he was on probation for a previous possession of cocaine charge, and deputies contacted the Adult Parole Authority.
Deputies detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and the driver consented to a search of the vehicle. A marijuana cigarette and just under $7,000 was recovered.
During a pat down search of his person, deputies recovered a baggie containing marijuana. Mr. Dye was transported to the Logan County Jail and was charged with a felony count of trafficking in drugs and received a probation violation.
After speaking with the prosecutor and obtaining the search warrant, deputies went to the Highview Drive address that evening.
Mr. Close reportedly led deputies to a master bedroom, and he showed them where he kept the large quantities of powder cocaine, marijuana and a total of $24,523 in cash.
The defendant also produced a ledger used to keep track of his drug sales.
Mr. Close was arrested and transported to the Logan County Jail.
During an interview with detectives, he said he sells marijuana and cocaine on a daily basis, and makes $2,000 profit a week selling to approximately 10 to 15 customers. He said he has approximately one pound of marijuana and four ounces of cocaine delivered to him every day.
Powdered cocaine, marijuana and cash were recovered Saturday during a drug bust at 508 Highview Drive, Bellefontaine. (PHOTOS | LOGAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)