HANCOCK COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES RELEASE 2014 OPERATION SHIELD RESULTS

On Thursday, October 23, 2014 through Saturday, October 25, 2014, Law Enforcement Agencies from Hancock County joined forces and resources in an ongoing effort to reduce fatal traffic crashes and apprehend persons involved in criminal activity in the County. The enforcement effort dubbed “Operation Shield” consisted of officers from the Findlay Police Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, METRICH Drug Task Force, FBI Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations Task Force, Ohio Investigative Unit and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

During the effort, officers conducted 571 traffic stops. During those stops, 118 individuals were cited for various traffic violations and 453 individuals were issued traffic warnings or vehicle defects. Additionally, 71 individuals were charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses and 7 were arrested for felony offenses. Jointly the agencies seized over $26,000 in heroin, cocaine, marijuana and illegal prescription pills, 1 handgun, and $5,100 in illegal activity proceeds.

OIU Agents, the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office conducted 4 separate alcohol compliance checks. The checks resulted in 42 liquor permits being checked with 3 liquor permits being issued civil citations for selling beer to a person under 21 years of age. A search warrant was executed at Nicki’s Bar in Findlay for illegal gambling. Officers found marijuana and seized two electronic gambling devices and U.S. Currency. 3 violation notices were issued with 11 violations for illegal gambling, illegal drugs, improper conduct and unsanitary conditions. Criminal charges for gambling are pending approval by the municipal prosecutor.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a large underage party that resulted in 24 misdemeanor alcohol related citations being issued. The METRICH Task Force and FBI Human Trafficking Task Force charged 4 individuals with prostitution and 1individual with drug paraphernalia.

“Successful multi-agency enforcement efforts, like this one in Hancock County, illustrate the collective power of removing guns, drugs and criminals from our communities in order to make Ohio a safer place for everyone to live and travel,” said Captain Gary Allen, Commander of the State Highway Patrol’s Findlay District.