Task force arrests 2 men on drug counts

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Two Van Wert men were arrested on drug possession charges late last week as a result of an investigation by the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force.

Zachary S. Craig, 35, of 520 S. Vine St., and Drew Kenny, 22, of 308 S. Chestnut St., were arrested by Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office deputies after receiving a tip of suspicious activity near the north McDonald’s restaurant. West Central Ohio Crime Task Force investigators also assisted at the arrest scene.

Both men were arrested on a charge of possession of cocaine, a felony of the fifth degree, after a quantity of that drug was found in the van the two men were in. After their arrest, Craig and Kenny were taken to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility, where they were held until an initial appearance was scheduled in Van Wert Municipal Court.

Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said an investigation into the incident is continuing and more charges could be filed in the case.

The sheriff also asks area residents with information on drug activity to contact his office at 419.238.3866 or by using the Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and clicking on the “submit a crime tip” link.

Those providing tips can remain anonymous, the sheriff noted, adding that his office would continue to aggressively pursue any tips submitted related to local drug activity.

Area residents can also submit anonymous crime tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP.

The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force is comprised of officers from the Van Wert, Allen and Paulding County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Lima Police Department and several state and federal agencies.