Ross County Grand Jury: Drug Delivery from Columbus Intercepted

The Grand Jury returned all 14 of their cases on Friday, May 24th, with four open for release to the public. From testimony in the the Grand Jury in one of the cases, according to the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office:

The U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force received intelligence that a supply of drugs had been picked up in Columbus. On March 19th, two officers assigned to the task force surveilled its delivery on State Route 104.

The Chillicothe Police detective observed the driver of a white Ford Escape failing to maintain proper distance behind a semi truck. The Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper also observed the same vehicle traveling 61 mph in a 55 zone. When the driver went left of center, the car was stopped.

Where the front passenger, 46-year-old Robert Author Rogers of Columbus was sitting, a black bag was found. Inside was a digital scale, and two knotted cellophane baggies which Rogers admitted contained about three ounces of crack cocaine.

When the back passenger, 52-year-old 52-year-old Mitchell D. Ingram of 100 Whaley Place in Chillicothe was patted down, the detective found a digital scale and container with three white rocks.

While Ingram was being processed at the Ross County Jail, the trooper found found three bags with a white substance on the floor of the intake room, and a bag in Ingram’s pants that he said was cocaine.

Ingram was found in possession of 17.6704 grams of cocaine and 12.4665 grams of fentanyl. Rogers was found in possession of 82.694 grams of cocaine, which is a large amount.

Ingram was indicted for:

  • Second-degree felony possession of a fentanyl-related compound, which could net up to eight years and $15,000 in fines.
  • Third-degree felony possession of cocaine, which could net up to three years and $10,000 in fines.
  • Third-degree felony conveyance of drugs onto a detention facility, which could also net up to three years and $10,000 in fines.

Rogers was indicted for:

  • First-degree felony trafficking in cocaine,
  • First-degree felony possession of cocaine

…each of which could net up to 11 years and $20,000 in fines. Rogers remains in custody.

The U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force that serves Ross, Fayette, Highland, and Hocking counties. To report tips: 800-222-TIPS or j.gannon@rosssheriff.com.

Find the article on the Scioto Post.  

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.


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