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Athens Co. Search Warrant Nets Seven Arrests on Drug Charges

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CHAUNCEY, Ohio — Seven Athens County residents face multiple charges related to drug crimes after authorities executed a search warrant in Chauncey.

Multiple law enforcement units made the arrests Tuesday at 24 Fourth Street, where suspected crack cocaine, heroin, suspected fentanyl and Schedule II prescribed narcotics packaged for sale, were located and seized. Drug use and trafficking paraphernalia, as well as $924 in cash were located at the residence.

Tuesday’s result came after a lengthy investigation into alleged drug trafficking, according to a release from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew W. Willison, 45, of Chauncey, was arrested on three counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs and three counts of aggravated possession of
drugs. Additional charges will be sent to a grand jury for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of criminal tools and possession of Schedule II narcotics.

Heidi L. Thomas, 28, of Chauncey, was arrested on four active warrants for her arrest from Athens County for two counts possession of heroin, illegal conveyance and aggravated possession of drugs. Thomas was charged Wednesday with three counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs and three counts of aggravated possession of drugs. Additional charges will be sent to a grand jury for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of criminal tools and possession of Schedule II narcotics.

Holley R. Thomas, 30, of Chauncey, was arrested on three active warrants for her arrest from Athens County for theft, receiving stolen property and
operating a vehicle under the influence. Additional charges will be sent to a grand jury for aggravated possession of drugs.

George R. Vandyke, 23, of Chauncey, was arrested on six active warrants for his arrest from Athens County for robbery, aggravated possession of drugs, receiving stolen property, identity theft, petty theft and driving under suspension. Additional charges will be sent to a grand jury for aggravated possession of drugs, and possession of drug abuse instruments.

Gary L. Kittle, 49, of Chauncey, was arrested on an active warrant from Athens County for criminal damaging. Additional charges are being sent to a grand jury for aggravated possession of drugs and possession of drug abuse instruments.

David L. Willison Sr., 44, of Chauncey, was arrested and held on Adult Parole Authority probation violations. Additional charges will be sent to a grand jury for
aggravated possession of drugs, possession of drug abuse instruments, permitting drug abuse and possession of criminal tools.

Joshua K. Schall, 34, of Guysville, was arrested and held on Adult Parole Authority probation violations. Additional charges will be sent to a grand jury for
aggravated possession of drugs and possession of drug abuse instruments.

“Drug dealers are not welcome within our communities and it is my mission to shut them down, one by one,” Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith said.

The Criminal Interdiction Unit, along with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, Major Crimes Unit and the Adult Parole Authority, executed the search warrant.