Archive of 12-16-05

On 16 Dec 05 Angel Conley, age 20, 20 Dye Street Apt. 2, Newport, reported while she was distracted by talking on the phone her boyfriend allegedly stole $100 from a container on the counter of her apartment. This case remains under investigation (500).

On 16 Dec 05 Travis W. Skinner, age 18, 15454 Waterford Road, Waterford, reported subsequent to his ex-girlfriend returning a necklace to him, two acquaintances of his ex-girlfriend allegedly followed him as he departed the exchange. The acquaintances then sped past him, blocked the roadway with their vehicle then allegedly kicked his vehicle while attempting to instigate an altercation. This case remains under investigation (1184).

ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT INDENTIFIED AND APPREHENDED

On 6 Oct 05 a joint investigation was began into the recent rash of armed robberies by members of the Belpre and Parkersburg Police Departments along with the Athens and Washington County Sheriff Offices.

On 1 Nov 05, after following up on several leads, Michael P. Brown, age 23, became a person of interest with this investigation. Investigators could link no vehicles to Michael Brown until conducting surveillance on his residence. During that portion of the investigation Detectives were able to determine that Brown had been renting vehicles from the Athens franchise of Enterprise Car Rental and also that he had no means of income. A court order was issued for all documents at Enterprise dealing with Michael Brown. From that Detectives learned that during the dates of the robberies in Athens, Belpre and Parkersburg, Brown had rented vehicles from Enterprise. Upon comparison, the vehicles he rented matched the type of vehicles believed to be involved in these armed robberies.

Through various types of investigative techniques Detectives then secured a search warrant for the residence of Michael Brown at #5 Mulligan Road in Athens. Several pieces of evidence were collected and an interview conducted of Brown. During that interview, Brown revealed his involvement in the Athens County robbery at the , Belpre and Parkersburg armed robberies. He also told investigators that he had been tipped off several weeks earlier about him being a suspect. That issue is being investigated as a separate criminal matter. Since being tipped off, Brown attempted to destroy evidence which would link him to the robberies, some which were recovered. At this time Brown has been charged by the Athens County Sheriff's Office with one count of Aggravated Robbery, a felony of the first degree. Additional Aggravated Robbery charges pending.

DICE TEAM INTERDICTION ARRESTS ON INTERSTATE 77

On Wednesday 14 Dec 05 the Washington County Drug Interdiction Criminal Enforcement (DICE) Team, composed of members of the Marietta and Belpre Police Departments K-9 units and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a special drug interdiction effort on I-77 from the West Virginia border to the Noble County line. Major John Winstanley of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office commands the unit.

The DICE Team rolled snake eyes for several motorists who were stopped during the drug interdiction effort. Tracy Cruse, age 36, formerly of Akron, OH, currently listing her address as homeless and Jason Metheney, age 31, of Newport, OH, were charged with possessing one or more chemicals used in the production of methamphetamines. Officers identified the back of the vehicle as containing a mobile meth lab which was capable of instant production. Cruse and Metheney were arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail and are being held without bond pending an appearance in Marietta Municipal Court.

The DICE Team also charged Michael Ross Rini, age 30, 10 Old Rix Mills Road, Apartment B3, New Concord, OH, with multiple offenses. Rini, recently released from prison, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, driving under suspension, following too closely and with having weapons while under disability. Rini was carrying a Glock semi-automatic pistol, an AR-15 assault rifle, a Remington shotgun and a Walther 22 caliber pistol. He is being held without bond pending an appearance in Marietta Municipal Court.

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