Columbus man charged with drug trafficking

Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office report when he stopped at the sheriff’s office to pick up his vehicle, they discovered he had a Bellefontaine Police Department warrant for his arrest for a charge of forging illegal drug documents. He was arrested and lodged in the Logan County Jail. 

Deputies then took inventory of the vehicle he drove to the sheriff’s office that day and had parked in the parking lot. In that vehicle, an odor of marijuana was observed, and the Bellefontaine Police Department’s K9 Arco made a hit on the vehicle. 

Inside the vehicle, deputies recovered marijuana packaged for sale, a digital scale and a box of plastic baggies. They issued the defendant the additional charge.

Weekend vacationer lodged for disorderly conduct

Ryan R. Hinke, 34, of Findlay, was charged with disorderly conduct early Saturday morning after a disturbance at 9231 Breezy Way, O’Connor’s Point, Belle Center.

Deputies responded about 1 a.m. to the residence on a report of an intoxicated man causing a disturbance. 

When they arrived, they located his wife outside packing up items in a vehicle. They also spoke with others inside the residence, who said three couples had rented the property for the weekend when a dispute arose. 

Deputies spoke with Mr. Hinke, who displayed signs of intoxication. They asked him to calm down and go to sleep. While deputies spoke with other individuals, the defendant continued to be disruptive. After repeated warnings, he was placed under arrest and was transported to the jail.

Another victim reports ‘grandparent scam’

Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office report that another local elderly resident has fallen victim to a “grandparent scam” that is conducted via telephone. 

An 83-year-old Lakeview man reported Friday that he was contacted Tuesday by telephone by a man who identified himself as a police officer. The man reportedly told him that his granddaughter had been arrested after drugs were found in her vehicle. 

The man then was told that he needed to post his granddaughter’s supposed $3,000 bond, and was given instructions for how to purchase American Express cards toward that amount. 

The victim reported that he also spoke with a female caller, who sounded like his granddaughter. 

Just three weeks ago, deputies received other reports of similar instances with other Logan County victims. In other situations, victims recently have reported receiving telephone calls advising their grandchild was in trouble and needed funds sent to assist with medical bills or covering unforeseen insurance costs.

Deputies encourage area residents to pay close attention to such phone scams and to contact other family members or their local law enforcement before completing transactions with these scammers.

Residents can contact the sheriff’s office at 592-5731 for assistance.