Special News 8 May 2025

Marietta, OH – Sheriff Mark Warden reports that on May 7, 2025, a routine traffic stop conducted by Detective Peters and K9 Timmy on I-77 southbound resulted in the arrest of Derrick Lamar Billups Jr. and the seizure of substantial quantities of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl.

While patrolling I-77 southbound, Detective Peters observed a silver four-door vehicle, bearing Ohio registration commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was initiated at mile marker 2 in the City of Marietta, Pioneer Township.  Detective Peters made contact with the driver, identified as Derrick Billups, and explained the reason for the stop. When asked about his destination, Billups stated he was heading to Greene Street in Marietta but was unsure of the exact address, referring to his phone for details.

Detective Sergeant Painter, Deputy Davis and K9 Ivar arrived on scene to assist. While Detective Peters issued a written warning for the marked lanes violation, Deputy Davis deployed K9 Ivar to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle. K9 Ivar positively alerted on the rear passenger door, prompting a search of the vehicle by officers.

The search revealed two Doritos bags inside a grocery bag on the rear floorboard. Upon inspection, Detective Peters discovered concealed bags of suspected narcotics hidden at the bottom of each Doritos bag. Billups was placed under arrest, read his Miranda Rights, and secured in a patrol cruiser.

The collected evidence was weighed, revealing 37.18 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 54.56 grams of suspected fentanyl, including packaging. As a result, Derrick Billups was charged with:

·        Possession of Fentanyl, 1st-degree felony

·        Trafficking in Fentanyl 1st-degree felony

·        Possession of Drugs 2nd-degree felony

·        Trafficking in Drugs 2nd-degree felony

Billups, age 35, 685 Manchester Circle, Pickerington, OH, was transported to the Washington County Jail for processing.  Billups appeared in Marietta Municipal Court on 8 May 2025 and is being held on $200,000 bond plus PR.  Billups will be in court again on 14 May 2025.