On 14 May 2022 Deputy Wallace was dispatched to 38710 State Route 7, Newport Township to a report of a male subject being unresponsive in a vehicle at the gas pumps.  The male was later identified as Taylor Merckle.  EMS was on the scene checking the subject prior to Deputy Wallace arriving.  Deputy Wallace observed what appeared to be drug paraphernalia in the vehicle in plain sight.  Merckle was advised his vehicle would be searched due to drug paraphernalia being located.  Multiple empty baggies and foil with drug residue, and individual baggies of suspected drugs were located.  Merckle stated the suspected drugs were heroin.  Taylor Adam Merckle, age 27, 170 Fred Smith Road, New Matamoras, OH, was placed under arrest and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drugs.  Merckle was transported to the Washington County Jail.

On 15 May 2022 deputies became aware that James E. Gilles may be in possession of a firearm and discharging same in the area of Watertown Township.  Gilles had previously been convicted of a felony offense, which makes it a crime for him to possess firearms.  Deputies responded to Watertown Township and confirmed the validity of the information.  Gilles, age 34, 150 Watertown Road, Waterford, OH, was placed under arrest and charged with six counts of weapons under disability, and transported to the Washington County Jail.

On 16 May 2022 Deputy Stillson was dispatched to Salem Township to a report of Edwin Hart assaulting an individual at that location.  Deputies were advised that Hart forced his way into a residence and struck an individual in the home as he proceeded through the residence.  After completing the investigation, Edwin Hart arrived at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office where he was placed under arrest, charged with assault and burglary.  Edwin Claude Hart, age 33, 200 Mechanics Street, Macksburg, OH, was transported to the Washington County Jail for processing.

On 16 May 2022 Deputy Dolly began an investigation into a financial scam in Belpre Township. 

On 16 May 2022 Deputy Tullius began an investigation into a theft in Muskingum Township.   

There are currently 28 female inmates and 75 male inmates being housed in the Washington County Jail.