News 31 Mar 2026

18 Mar 2026 Deputy Gerber responded to a fire in Newport Township. 

18 Mar 2026 Deputy Aultman began an investigation into junk motor vehicles on property in Belpre Township.

21 Mar 2026 deputies along with members of the Dunham Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene of a deceased individual.

21 Mar 2026 deputies were dispatched to Sandhill Road, Marietta Township, in regards to information received about a possible Domestic Violence incident occurring between Nicholas and Samantha Templeton. Nicholas was reluctant to disclose what had taken place at the residence, however did state the two argued because he believed Samantha told his son he would be sleeping in the garage that night.  Nicholas then left the residence and attempted to get into a vehicle when Samantha grabbed him and threw his phone on the ground. Samantha provided a similar story however denied yelling at the child.  Samantha admitted to grabbing for her son as she believed Nicholas was going to drive away with the child on his lap, and not in the proper restraint.  Samantha advised this is when the pair began struggling with each other.  After completing the investigation it was decided that both Samantha Templeton and Nicholas Templeton would received a summons for disorderly conduct.

22 Mar 2026 Deputy Pugh was dispatched to Dodd Run Rd, Warren Township, to a report by Douglas Moellendick, stating he was assaulted and people were actively fighting at the residence.  Multiple people were located arguing but no active fighting ​was observed, upon the deputy’s arrival.  Throughout ​the investigation it was determined Moellendick had gotten overly intoxicated, began intruding personal space, and exposing himself at the party. It was reported that Moellendick was told multiple times to cease his behavior and a fight occurred between him and another subject, where Moellendick​ received a laceration to his eye. Officers advised Moellendick numerous times to cease his turbulent behavior and after not ceasing his actions, continuing to interrupt and impending the investigations, Moellendick was detained.  Douglas S Moellendick, age 28, 2106 Nora Street, Parkersburg, WV, was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct – cease and desist.  Once at the jail, Moellendick submitted to a PBT test at the request of jail staff, with a result of .238 at 0342hrs.

22 Mar 2026 Deputy Thornberry began an investigation into a burglary in Marietta Township. Nothing was reported as taken.

23 Mar 2026 Deputy Gerber was patrolling and was near the intersection of Putnam Street and Franklin Street, Pioneer Township, when he observed a 1999 silver Saab bearing Ohio registration, conduct a left hand turn at the intersection of Putnam Street and Franklin Street, failing to stop at the stop sign.  A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was identified as Nathan Modlin. Modlin was asked to provide his insurance information for the vehicle, but was unable to locate it at the time of the traffic stop. He was advised to bring it with him to his court date. A citation was issued to Modlin, 605 Gantsville Road, Little Hocking, OH, for disobeying a traffic control device, 

23 Mar 2026 Deputy Gerber began an investigation into subject​(s) removing funds from an individual’s banking account.

23 Mar 2026 Lt. Tucker with the Washington County Jail was notified that Dean Leroy Phillips, who was currently incarcerated in the Washington County Jail, had a warrant out of Wood County, WV.  The warrant was for transporting a controlled substance onto the grounds of a jail. The jail records of Phillips were checked with the warrant information finding the inmate to be the same individual wanted ​by WV.  A charge of fugitive from justice was filed on Phillips, age 48, homeless, Marietta, OH.

23 Mar 2026 while on patrol State Route 7 at Lockhart Street, Belpre Township, Deputy Wallace observed a vehicle bearing WV registration, commit a marked lanes violation​ and having a fictitious registration.  A traffic stop was initiated and contact was made with the driver and occupants.  A consent to search was obtained and due to the nervousness of Jeffrey Hutson, he was removed from the vehicle first.  A consent to search Hutson and his pockets was given.  Deputy Bush located a baggy containing suspected methamphetamine weighing 1.42 grams.  Hutson was advised of his rights and he stated the baggy contained “ice” commonly referred to as methamphetamine.  Inside the vehicle, a glass smoking device with residue was located. Hutson advised the smoking device was his and he forgot he had those items. Jeffrey S. Hutson, age 55, 124 Aqua Circle, Parkersburg, WV, was charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. 

24 Mar 2026 Deputy Gerber was patrolling the 200 block of Second Street, Pioneer Township, when he observed a 2007 white Chevy Cobalt, bearing Ohio registration fail to use a turn signal.  A traffic stop was initiated  and the operator was identified as Chavazze L. Kidder. Kidder advised he does not have a valid driver’s license.  A check through dispatch revealed Kidder’s driver’s license is suspended for non-compliance X2. Kidder, 653 Johnson Road, Marietta, OH, was issued a citation for driving under a suspended license.  The passenger, Amy S. Brooks, advised she did not have a license either.  Deputy Davis and K9 Ivar arrived and conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle. K9 Ivar indicated to the odor of narcotics near the driver side door.  Both subjects were removed from the vehicle so that a search could be conducted.   Books had a Cheetah print back pack with her.  Inside the back​ pack was a black leather case with a blue in color smoking device with residue, a clear glass smoking device with residue, two plastic smoking devices with residue and a clear glass container with a white crystal-like residue.  Amy Suzzane Books, age 39, 1000 ½ Lynn Street, Parkersburg, WV, was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.