4 face charges from Oakwood drug bust

VW independent/submitted information

OAKWOOD — Four people have been arrested following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Oakwood on Monday. Investigators from the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force seized suspected heroin and paraphernalia from the home.

Those arrested include Benjamin D. Smith, 30; Holy McVey-Flores, 37; Heather Ladd, 28; and Sheri Kraegel, 28.

Smith, Ladd and McVey-Flores were charged with possession of drug abuse instruments and endangering children, while Smith was also charged with possession of drugs.

Kraegel was transported to Defiance County in connection with an outstanding warrant issued in Defiance Municipal Court.

The four adults were taken into custody and employees of the Paulding County Department of Job and Family Services were on the scene to care for the children.

Additional charges are pending a review of the cast by the Paulding County Prosecutor’s Office.

“It aggravates me beyond words when adults are so selfish and careless they choose to leave drugs and paraphernalia accessible to innocent children,” said Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers. “The Village of Oakwood is a safer community today with these people off the streets.

Also assisting with the investigation were the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Oakwood Police Department and Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding drug activity or any other crime, can contact the sheriff’s office at 419.399.3791 or leave information via the Sheriff’s Office website www.pauldingohsheriff.com by either sending an email or scrolling to the bottom of the webpage and clicking on “send us an anonymous tip”, or on Facebook at “Facebook/Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.”