Two more arrested in connection with Matson

A grand jury has indicted two more suspects whose alleged drug crimes are connected to an investigation that led to Timothy R. Matson's arrest weeks ago.

Authorities reportedly raided a home Feb. 11 at 818 Ayers St. in Zanesville, where they arrested Nathaniel Antonio Williams, Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said. Courtney Shepherd was arrested Thursday after a grand jury indicted her Wednesday on drug charges.

A grand jury this week also indicted Williams on charges stemming for the search, during which police reported they seized cash, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Williams' indictment contains a count of trafficking in drugs, a third-degree felony. The count includes a specification for the forfeiture of cash and vehicles related to the alleged crime.

Shepherd's indictment contains one count of drug possession, a third-degree felony, and one count of permitting drug abuse, a fifth-degree felony. Forfeiture specifications also are attached to her charges.

Authorities with the sheriff's office, the Zanesville Police Department and the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force began the investigation after receiving anonymous complaints.

Investigators were able to link Williams and Shepherd to Matson's alleged drug operation, Lutz said. Matson, known as "World," was arrested during a January raid at a home on Larzelere Avenue where police say they seized cash, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and a gun.

Officials reported the 2,600 unit doses was the largest amount of heroin seized in county history during a single raid.

Matson since has been indicted and arraigned in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court.

Williams and Shepherd likely will appear next week in court to be arraigned on the charges. In addition to entering their plea to the indictment, they also will have a chance to address bond.

elagatta@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com