METRICH raids net drugs, loaded gun

Two simultaneous drug-related search warrants Wednesday netted drugs, a loaded gun and two arrests.

The METRICH Enforcement Unit assisted by ASORT, Mansfield Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department served warrants at 373 Jennings Ave. Apt. H and 213 E. Second St., according to a news release.

The investigation began with numerous resident complaints involving drug trafficking at 373 Jennings Ave. Apt. H. Through the investigation it became known that there was drug activity at 213 E. Second St. Mansfield Municipal Court Judge Jerry Ault reviewed and signed search warrants.

Heroin, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a loaded 9-mm Smith & Wesson were located at the Jennings residence where Lamont Rodgers and Thomas Newton III were arrested, according to METRICH.

Rodgers, 41, 373 Jennings Ave. Apt. H, is charged with possession of drugs, heroin, a fifth-degree felony; having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony; and possession of marijuana, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Newton, 27, 373 Jennings Ave. Apt. H, is charged with two counts of trafficking in drugs (heroin), possession of drugs (heroin), possession of drugs (crack cocaine), all fifth-degree felonies; and possession of marijuana, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Detectives from the METRICH Enforcement Unit and the Mansfield Police Department also searched the residence at 213 E. Second St. and located crack cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Originally published in the News Journal on November 11, 2015.