On July 14th, 2015, after an in-depth investigation into illegal drug activity and weapons offenses, members of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Highway Patrol, and Jackson County SHeriff’s Office served a search warrant on 333 Hopper Rd.

The search warrant was executed on the (5) five room structure around 6am, and present at the residence were the home owner , 35 yo. Chester P Howard, his wife, 35 yo. Kristen E. Howard, their 14 and 16 yo. children, 37 yo. Timothy Brown of Lucasville and his girlfriend, 30 yo. Brandi Rawlins of Beaver. The adults were taken into custody and the juveniles were released to their grandmother.

A suspicious item believed to be an explosive devise was located in a vehicle in the driveway of the residence and upon the discovery of the weapon, Sheriff Charles Reader promptly called the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad to assist in recovering and securing the item.

The scene was held until the weapon could be safely removed from the area from the area and, in that time, Sheriff Reader was able to allocate resources to assist in the search. Arriving on scene to assist were members of the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office, Pike County Emergency Medical Services, Pike County HazMat, Elm Grove volunteer Fire Department, Ohio Division of Wild Life, State Fire Marshall’s Office, Pike County Children Services, Pike County Health Department, and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers. Several all terrain vehicles were also brought in to help traverse the surrounding areas. Food and beverages were donated as well to help support the officers and many volunteers  that came out to help.

Due to deplorable conditions of the residence, personal protective gear was required for officers to enter and process the scene, which took an excess of six (6) house to search and clear. The residence did not have running water or a functional sewage system, which led to hazardous conditions for officers inside the residence. Found inside the residence were numerous drug related items, weapons, and ammunition, which was consistent with information given to officers during the course of the investigation.

For items outside the home, Heistads Wrecker Service was utilized to remove three (3) loads of suspected stolen property and vehicles from the scene.

Officers on all-terrain vehicles located chemicals consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine in the woods behind Howard’s property, which resulted in Sheriff Reader reaching out to the DEA for assistance in clean up.

Chester Howard and Kristen Howard were charged with two counts each of Child Endangering and arrested, having to post bond to secure their release. Timothy Brown was taken to the Scioto County Jail on an outstanding warrant for drug charges, but neither he nor Brandi Rawlins were charged with any offenses from the search warrant.