The H-word reared its head again Wednesday for Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland.
No, not hell, but rather, heroin.
McClelland discussed two cases involving heroin in the county, which has been a growing epidemic, with media members shortly after a recent fundraiser.
On March 3, the sheriff’s office, along with Chardon Police Department, arrested Aaron Finger, 30, of Cleveland, and Krishelle Talley, 23, of Euclid, as part of a drug bust in Chardon, McClelland said, adding police first received information about trafficking activity Feb. 24.
“Finger had a history of violence and drug-related offenses,” the sheriff said.
At 3:30 p.m., law enforcement successfully completed what was known as a “buy bust,” which netted two packages of heroin totaling six grams. One bag had five grams; the other, one gram.
“For reference, the average dose of heroin is about a half-gram,” McClelland added.
The police departments allowed the transaction to occur in the back of Talley’s 2006 Pontiac Vibe hatchback. Then, they arrested the two suspects with no incident and took them into custody.
Additionally, they also seized $2,600 in cash, the sheriff said.
Finger was charged with drug trafficking and tampering with evidence, both third-degree felonies. Talley was charged with tampering with evidence and possession of controlled substances, another third-degree felony.
“Ms. Talley attempted to conceal the narcotics,” the sheriff said.
Finger’s bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety in Chardon Municipal Court March 4. His preliminary hearing is March 18 at 11:15 a.m. Talley’s bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety in the court, with her hearing that same day at 11 a.m., according to the municipal court website.
McClelland said he was aware county residents would find ways to make heroin purchases. He said most go out of county to do so.
“But we’ll arrest those who choose to bring their drugs into our county,” he added.
On Feb. 15, Kirtland Hills police conducted a traffic stop and cited Chardon Township resident Sherry Bonner for not having a license plate light, said Sgt. Steven Payne.
Police then searched her vehicle and allegedly found oxycodone pills in her possession. They resembled a paper fold of heroin, contained in her pants pocket, according to Willoughby Municipal Court records.
McClelland also said Kirtland Hills police told the sheriff’s office Bonner was driving a vehicle belonging to a man she was a caregiver for.
The pills obtained during the search were prescribed to the man. The pills are estimated to cost between $15 and $17 each, the sheriff said.
Payne said police took Bonner to the Lake County jail in Painesville, where she was held for several hours, but was not charged with a crime.
Meanwhile, the material was sent to a crime lab. Once police received the results from the crime lab verifying the material was heroin, they were able to obtain a search warrant, Payne said.
McClelland said Geauga County Sheriff’s Office detectives were subsequently able to execute a search of Bonner’s Chardon Township home Feb. 26.
Subsequently, they arrested her after discovering marijuana, heroin and more oxycodone. She was charged with drug trafficking, a third-degree felony, the sheriff said.
Bonner’s bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety in the Willoughby Municipal Court Feb. 26. She made her initial appearance March 5. Her preliminary hearing was slated to occur March 12 at 1 p.m.
“We want to hold those accountable who participate in drug trafficking,” McClelland said.