News Release

05/18/2017

Sheriff Lavender reports on 05/17/2017 his office executed a search warrant at 14231
State Route 772 shortly before 6:00 a.m. Members of the Ross County Sheriffs Office
Emergency Response Team and the Chillicothe Police Department Tactical Team
executed the warrant. 11 people were inside the residence at the time the warrant was
executed.

The U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force searched the residence and found a large amount
of Cocaine and suspected Heroin/Fentanyl. The Task Force consisted of investigators
from Ross, Fayette, and Pickaway County Sheriffs Offices.

Three people were arrested: 25 year old Matthew Keyes charged with F2 Possession of
Cocaine and F3 Tampering with Evidence, 23 year old Daniel Gebretekle charged with
F1 Possession of Cocaine and F3 Tampering with Evidence, 62 year old Michael
Pontious was charged with M1 Permitting Drug Abuse.

This search warrant was the result of a lengthy and ongoing investigation due tips
received from members of the community. Further charges are expected pending
laboratory results.

Sheriff Lavender wants extend his appreciation the community members, his officers and
all of the officers from the various agencies for their assistance in this investigation.
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