The following reports were released today by Sheriff James Zusack and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
On December 05, 2025, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit and the Martins Ferry Police Department executed a search warrant along Elm Street in Martins Ferry, Ohio. During the execution of the warrant, officials located a firearm, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, and suspected fentanyl.
Joseph Pernell Monroe, 26, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was arrested and booked on charges of resisting arrest, possession of criminal tools, having weapons under disability, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl.
Cody Wayne Briggs, 31, of Cameron, WV, was arrested and booked on possession of fentanyl.
Tyler J. Medina, 28, of Wheeling, WV, was on scene but was not booked into the Belmont County Jail. Charges of possession of fentanyl will be sent to the prosecutor’s office for review.
ALSO, on December 09, 2025, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit arrested Samuel Jermaine Pete, 39, of Wheeling, WV, on an outstanding warrant for trafficking in drugs. During Samuel’s arrest, he was found in possession of a bulk amount of methamphetamine pills and a substantial amount of crack cocaine. A subsequent search of Samuel’s hotel room in the St. Clairsville area, yielded drug manufacturing and packaging materials.
Samuel was booked into the Belmont County Jail for his warrant, possession of criminal tools, manufacturing drugs, and possession of cocaine and methamphetamine.
AND on December 10, 2025, Detectives with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit assigned to the Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 70 for a minor traffic infraction. During the traffic stop; Detectives seized approximately four (4) pounds of methamphetamine, approximately two (2) ounces of fentanyl, and $2000.00 in suspected drug proceeds.
Detectives located the suspected methamphetamine being disguised as household rock salt. The suspected fentanyl was located concealed on Ms. Earich’s person.
Hashim Addae Dunlap, 43, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Destiny Nichole Earich, 27, of Wellsville, Ohio, were arrested and booked into the Belmont County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, trafficking in fentanyl, tampering with evidence, and possession of criminal tools.
The Bridgeport Police Department assisted Sheriff’s Office units during this incident.
Sheriff James Zusack states that due to the amount of suspected methamphetamine, the suspects are considered “Major Drug Offenders” under Ohio law.
