Portsmouth police continued into the third day of inventory and confiscation of merchandise from Vintage Electronics and Video Games, 1406 11th St., Friday.
Friday, Police Chief Charles Horner released more information on the investigation, and the confiscation of merchandise from Evans' businesses and residence, and said the investigation began in 2006.
“The investigation involved the sale of narcotics, and receiving stolen property we believe may have been traded for drugs,” Horner said. “Over the course of the investigation, we made numerous buys from this location, which is also known as Evans Variety, and as a result of the search warrant conducted here, and the search warrant at the residence of the owner and his wife, Delbert and Stacy Evans, we have recovered $25,000 in cash, seven motor vehicles, two four wheelers, a boat, and several trailers.”
On Wednesday, drug enforcement officers from the Portsmouth Police Department and Scioto County Prosecutor's office arrested Evans, of 5813 Ohio 139, Lucasville, his wife, of the same address, and Mitchell R. Broughton, 22, of 1161 Ninth St., on drug charges.
On Friday, officers also were busy loading up a cache of guns. In excess of 20 firearms were seized, and at least one firearm was found to be stolen property. Officers also found power tools and a bullet-proof vest. Police said assets taken are believed to be in excess of $150,000.
Horner said the store was packed with videos, some drug paraphernalia and narcotics. He said the police were taking all assets from the business for disposition by a court after those arrested are indicted and brought to trial on criminal charges.
“Delbert's sister, Debbie Evans, was convicted and sentenced on similar charges. She was indicted under the RICO statute, and she's currently serving eight years in prison,” Horner said.
“We have probable cause to believe some of this merchandise, if not a large portion, is stolen property,” Horner said. “We also have reason to believe that a large part may have been paid for by drug money, and the same applies to the assets we seized. We have indications that virtually all the assets that were seized were paid for with cash. I'm talking $10,000 at a time, $18,000, $20,000 at a time with cash money.”
Horner said oxycodone tablets sell on the street for $1 a milligram, and that people pay $80 for an 80 milligram tablet.
“We found 103 OxyContin,” Portsmouth Police drug agent Todd Bryant said.
Delbert Evans is charged with trafficking in drugs, a first-degree felony, possession of drugs, a second-degree felony, and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.
Stacy Evans is charged with possession of drugs, a second-degree felony, and obstructing official business, a third-degree felony.
Broughton faces charges of possession of drugs, a second- degree felony and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.
A warrant also was executed at another property, located at 1546 Gallia St.
Horner said the investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected.
He said information from the public called into the drug hotline was key to the investigation,
“Also, working with people who had been arrested and convicted of drug charges helped us,” Horner said. “Information obtained in the search warrant for Debbie Evans, and other properties that she had, helped us. It was a combination of a lot of factors that contributed to this investigation.”
Anyone having information concerning this case or other drug information in Portsmouth, may call the drug hotline at (740) 354-3784. In the county, callers can contact the Scioto County Sheriff's office at (740) 354-7566.
FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.
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