Ashland bust nets drugs, cash, gun

A drug bust resulted in seven arrests and authorities seizing over 12 pounds of suspected marijuana, two pounds of suspected cocaine, 45 grams of suspected heroin, a loaded .380 handgun and more than $60,000 in cash.

The estimated street value of the narcotics confiscated Friday is approximately $150,000, according to a news release from Ashland police Capt. David A. Lay. With the help of the public, law enforcement put a large dent in the local drug trade with this case, he said.

Ashland Police, in cooperation with the METRICH Enforcement Unit, Mansfield Police Department ASORT and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant for narcotics at 2242 Oakcrest Lane. The case was a result of citizen complaints starting in 2008 referring to possible drug activity at the residence, according to Ashland police. The Ohio Highway Patrol and the Ashland County Child Protective Services also assisted police.

The following were arrested on warrants:

Kelly L. Johnson, 39, of Ashland, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of heroin and tampering with evidence; Vincent D. Ajian, 24, of Mansfield, tampering with evidence; Jonathan G. Ransom, 35, of Columbus, complicity to money laundering; Shasta A. Harrington, 36, of Columbus, complicity to money laundering; Burton L. Hester, 43, of Worthington, tampering with evidence; Robert C. France, 22, of Mansfield, on a bond revocation relating to a prior possession of cocaine charge out of the Ashland Common Pleas Court; and Lauren E. Andress, 27, of Ashland, for obstructing official business.

Originally published in the News Journal on May 18, 2016.