A Richwood man could be facing more than four decades in prison for allegedly trafficking in a variety of drugs.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Timothy Rashun Island, 38, of 107 Forrest Lane, Richwood, charging him with two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs, two counts of corrupting another with drugs and one count each of trafficking in heroin, tampering with evidence, possession of cocaine, trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in counterfeit controlled substances and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities.
Island was arrested Feb. 8 after detectives from the Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Task Force, deputies from the Union County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Richwood Police Department and the Marysville Police Department’s Special Response Team raided his home.
A search of the home revealed a gun, drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash.
Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton said task force members had been investigating alleged drug trafficking at the Forrest Lane Apartment for two months. He said the apartment has had “prior drug incidents” and a non-fatal drug overdose has been linked to Island and the home.
If convicted on all charges, Island could face as many as 43 years in prison. Court records indicate Island has multiple prior drug and theft-related arrests.
The grand jury also indicted:
– Christopher Ray Burcham, 29, of Columbus. Burcham is charged with one count of aggravated possession of drugs. He was arrested with methamphetamine Nov. 18. If convicted, Burcham could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Thomas Allen Meldrum, 25, of Columbus. Meldrum is charged with one count of possession of heroin, stemming from a December 2017 arrest. He could face as many as 12 months in prison if convicted.
– Robert Brown Jr., 43, of Lakeview. Brown is charged with domestic violence stemming from a Jan. 29 incident. In 2017, Brown pleaded guilty to domestic violence in Logan County. While domestic violence is often charged as a misdemeanor, because Brown has the prior conviction, future allegations are charged as felonies. If convicted, Brown could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Willie James Foster, 38, of Lima. According to court documents, on June 9, Foster allegedly “bear hugged” a Dublin police officer who attempted to chase a suspect, then stood in the officer’s path so he couldn’t chase the suspect. Court documents allege Foster created “a risk of physical harm.” If convicted, Foster could face as many as five years in prison.
– Jessica Marie Vallo, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Vallo is charged with one count of aggravated possession of drugs, stemming from a Nov. 21 arrest. If convicted, Vallo could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Ricky Dale Lovins, Jr., 40, of Columbus. Lovins is charged with two counts of failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer. According to court documents, on Jan. 3, law enforcement officials attempted to stop Lovins’ vehicle. He allegedly created a “substantial risk” by not bringing his vehicle to a stop. If convicted on all counts, Lovins could face as many as 36 months in prison.
– Jeffrey Don Furnier, 46, of Wheelersburg, Ohio. Furnier is charged with one count each of theft, receiving stolen property and burglary. According to court documents, between Dec. 20 and 21, Furnier allegedly broke into a home and stole a wedding ring set valued at more than $2,100. He allegedly then sold the set at a pawnshop for $400. If convicted, Furnier could face as many as seven years in prison.