WCSO NEWS RELEASES – 6 APR 2022


On 3 Apr 2022 Sgt. Johnson and Deputy Davis responded to State Route 821 Aurelius Township to a reported domestic dispute involving Matthew Salla.  It was reported that Salla was in the process of moving out of a residence when a verbal argument occurred, which turned physical.  Salla reportedly grabbed the other party by the hair and pulled her down onto the couch, and immediately onto the floor.  Salla then followed the individual to the bedroom and cornered her.  Salla later reportedly struck the subject in the back of the head.  Salla left the residence prior to deputies arriving.  Deputies met with Salla at another location where he stated no threats of violence took place.  Matthew Scott Salla, age 27, 809 12th Street, SW, Massillon, OH, was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail for domestic violence. 

On 3 Apr 2022 Deputy Painter was on patrol when he observed a vehicle backed into the driveway to a vacant residence.  Deputy Painter conducted a search of the area for the vehicle occupants, finding Ronald Bettinger inside a shed rummaging through the contents.  Bettinger advised he was checking on the property for a friend, who was also present.  Deputy Painter met with Marlena Lawson, who stated her uncle asked her to check the property. Contact was made with the property owner, who advised that they did not know the two subjects, nor did he give them permission to be on the property.    Randal Eric Bettinger, age 23, 2509 Valley View Drive, Belpre, OH, was placed under arrest and charged with theft, breaking and entering, and possession of criminal tools.  Marlena Jean Lawson, age 26, 690 Ferncliff Road, Marietta, OH, was placed under arrest and charged with theft, breaking and entering, and possession of criminal tools.

On 4 Apr 2022 Deputy Painter, while on patrol, observed a UTV operating southbound, crossing the double yellow line multiple times. A traffic stop was attempted, however the driver continued on Warrior Drive, accelerating.  At the intersection of Warrior Drive and State Route 339, the driver of the UTV left the roadway into the berm almost striking a street sign.  The UTV was temporarily immobilized as Deputy Painter approached the driver, advising him to stop.  The driver disregarded the commands and sped off in the opposite direction.  Deputy Painter continued the pursuit onto State Route 339 and several back roads.  The UTV eventually came to stop on Hickman Road.  Anthony Eugene Stout, age 40, 1157 Walsh Road, Vincent, OH, was placed under arrest and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and failure to comply.  Citations were issued for reckless operation, prohibited acts, and driving in marked lanes.  Stout was processed into the Washington County Jail.

The following subject(s) were processed into the Washington County Jail 4 Apr 2022 to 5 Apr 2022:

Anthony Eugene Stout, age 40, Vincent, OH, failure to comply, a felony, and carrying a concealed weapon, a misdemeanor.

Scottie Lydell Minnis, age 22, Cambridge, OH, failure to reinstate operator’s license, a misdemeanor.

Jonathan Carl Forshey, age 31, Marietta, OH, possess defaced firearm, obstructing official business, domestic violence, both misdemeanors, having weapons while under disability and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, both felonies.

David Lee Colvin, age 60, Marietta, OH, OVI, failure to reinstate operator’s license, illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drugs, and contempt of court, all misdemeanors.

Scott Allen Shankland, age 52, Marietta, OH, domestic violence, a felony.

James David Warner, age 40, Marietta, OH, violating a protection order, a felony.

Shad Allan Martin, age 44, Parkersburg, WV, probation violation, theft and receiving stolen property, all felonies.

Debra Lee Sampson, age 28, Parkersburg, WV, breach of recognizance, receiving stolen property and 3 counts of forgery, all felonies.

Michael Paul Hollingsworth, age 42, Belpre, OH, aggravated possession of drugs, possession of fentanyl, parole violation and tampering with evidence, all felonies.

Kenneth Lee Thompson, age 49, Belpre, OH, parole violation, a felony.

Justin Allan Jones, age 34, Marietta, OH, trafficking in drugs, 2 counts, both felonies.

Destiny Renee Covey, age 29, Marietta, OH, permitting drug abuse, a felony.

There are currently 18 female inmates and 74 male inmates being housed in the Washington County Jail.