Anonymous Drug Tip Line: 740-695-DRUG (3784)

Assistant Coroner Morgan Honored

In Picture: Sheriff David M. Lucas, Asst. Coroner-Jack Morgan, Coroner-Dr. Troy Balgo

In Picture: Sheriff David M. Lucas, Asst. Coroner-Jack Morgan, Coroner-Dr. Troy Balgo

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office honored Assistant Coroner, Jack Morgan’s retirement on Monday, May 18, 2015. Invited guests and Coroner, Dr. Troy Balgo were present when Sheriff Lucas presented him with a plaque thanking him for his dedication to Belmont County. A lunch was provided for Mr. Morgan and guests.

Vassilaros Presented with Child Advocate of the Year Award

IMG_3583The Belmont County Department of Jobs & Family Services and the Belmont County Board of Commissioners recognize individuals and organizations who are working together to advocate for abused and neglected children in Belmont County. Each year they choose an advocate within our community who has gone out of their way to help these children. This year the Child Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Leslie Vassilaros at the Annual Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Lunch, held at Undo’s West in St.Clairsville on April 16, 2015. Leslie is the Executive Director of Harmony House Children’s Advocacy Center. Harmony House exists to ensure that no child is further victimized by systems designed to protect her or him. The child well-being is the first priority.

Pictured is Leslie Vassilaros and Belmont County Department of Jobs & Family Services Director Vince Gianangeli.

Special Deputy Joe Krehlik

Special Deputy Joe Krehlik

Joe Krehlik was recently put on as a Special Deputy with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. He is a Certified Professional Photographer.

He will be available to take photos of cases that are not being processed by BCI & I. He will be an asset to our organization, bringing his professional photography to us for use in investigations through prosecution.

Captain Everett Honored

Captain Ron Everett

Captain Ron Everett was honored with a “Certificate of Appreciation” and his “Years of Service Stars” for his 30 years of service to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. In the picture, Sheriff David Lucas is presenting Captain Ron Everett the certificate and stars.

Drugs, Paraphernalia Recovered after Traffic Stop

A traffic stop in the Morristown area was made successful by K-9 Luke and the assistance of the Ohio State Highway Patrol on Thursday. Drugs and numerous drug-related paraphernalia were recovered and 40-year-old Jamie Cole was charged with driving while under the influence, drug trafficking, as well as possession of cocaine, heroin, and drug abuse instruments.

Read more on the WTOV9 website.

SPII Task Force Nets Quick Arrest in Belmont County

Members of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man facing numerous charges involving child pornography earlier this week. And on Friday morning, Sheriff Dave Lucas said with the help and support of commissioners, many of these kinds of arrests are forthcoming. “Pretty much within a week, we got our first case on hand,” Lucas said.

Read more on the WTOV9 website.

Miro Promoted to Road Sergeant

MiroThe Belmont County Sheriff’s Office would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ron Miro, who was promoted to Road Sergeant on January 25th, 2015. Sergeant Miro has been with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office since August of 2001.

Gatti, Lucey Promoted to Detective Sergeants

Andrea Gatti and Rusty Lucey were promoted to Detective Sergeants on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. This step was taken to bring Detectives Unit up to date and all staff within the unit will be Detective Sergeants.

Press Release: 10/14/2014

On 10/09/14 a Search Warrant was executed at 71319 Skyview Drive Martins Ferry OH by The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, Bridgeport Police Department and Agents of the Belmont County Drug Task Force.

John E Gavarkavich of the above address was arrested on warrants for 2 counts of illegal possessing of drug documents and two counts of forgery.

John E Gavarkavich was later charged with two counts of Aggravated Robbery Felony one in conjunction with the armed robbery of the Hilltop Marathon and the Bridgeport Exxon that occurred on 10/07/14. Gavarkavich is being held at the Belmont County Jail with No Bond.

Gavarkavich became a suspect in the robberies after a Sheriff’s Detective who was familiar with Gavarkavich viewed security footage of the incident.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and Bridgeport Police Department worked this case together after determining the similarities between the two Robberies.

Drugs Found During Routine Traffic Stop

Blaine 2014During a routine traffic stop on US 40 near Blaine, a large amount of drugs and money was taken off the streets of Belmont County. A Belmont County Patrol Deputy made the stop and upon investigation found the suspect to be on Federal Parole and asked for permission to search the vehicle. Martins Ferry Police Department was contacted and asked to assist with their K-9 unit. When the K-9 unit arrived, the suspect was asked to step out of his vehicle. While the K-9 was walking toward the vehicle, the suspect fled and was apprehended and restrained. The suspect’s vehicle was towed and is awaiting a search warrant. 81 grams of illegal drugs including heroin and cocaine and over $7,000.00 was put into evidence.

Deputy Thorman Promoted to Jail Sergeant

Officers in Belmont County Work Together in ‘Operation Short Shield’

From the WTOV 9 website:

It’s called “Operation Short Shield.” News9’s Kate Davison climbed inside of a cruiser for a special report on how the collaboration between law enforcement agencies brings results.

Shield detail involves numerous agencies coming together for one common cause — to enforce the law –in two separate facets: Criminal patrol and OVI patrol. Last Friday night, Sgt. Jason Greenwood with the Ohio State Highway Patrol let NEWS9 tag along with him. The ride along was nothing less than eventful. The event included more than 24 units and 36 continuous hours of patrol. “We aggressively are looking for criminals, people that are operating vehicles while they’re impaired,” said Lt. James Faunda of the OSHP.

And a focused approach between members of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Martins Ferry Police and the Belmont County Drug Task Force. Its success rests on a combined effort of the agencies. “We all know that we have a problem, from alcohol to drugs and criminal activities,” Belmont County Sherriff Dave Lucas said.

Read the full article…

Press Release: Phone Scam

To: All Media
From: Sheriff David M. Lucas
RE: Scam

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office has received several calls from residence on a phone scam requesting their Credit Card information. The pre-recorded message states your credit card has been canceled to push one for security and then enter you credit card number.

This is a scam. Do not enter any information

Sheriff David M. Lucas

Road Advisory

There are currently no road advisories for Belmont County.

Crime Stoppers

The tip line may exclusively be reached at 877-847-7487.

Tips will NOT be accepted through social media, websites or email in order to ensure confidentiality.

The Crime Stoppers of the Upper Ohio Valley website is www.crimestoppersuov.com.

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