News 12 Feb 2025
9 Feb 2025 Deputy Gainer and Sgt. Parks responded to Barclay Street in the city of Belpre, in reference to an assault by Robert Hugh Staats. The actual offense took place at 2800 Beach Drive, Belpre Township. Staats had been in an argument with the victim, which turned physical with Staats striking the victim on the head with a closed fist. Staats also struck the victim in the face with his elbow. Robert Hugh Staats, age 44, 2800 Beach Drive, Belpre, OH, was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail for processing on a charge of domestic violence.
10 Feb 2025 Deputy Huffer, accompanied by Deputy Welch, proceeded to 667 Goose Run Road to attempt felony warrant service on a resident at that location. Contact was made with Jack Longfellow who was advised that officers were there to serve three felony warrants on Velinda Mantz. Longfellow advised deputies that Mantz was not at the residence and he did not know where she was, or where she was staying. A consent to search the home was given by Longfellow. Prior to contact with Longfellow, Deputy Welch was able to hear a male and female talking from his location. Mantz was eventually located hiding in a bedroom closet. Jack W. Longfellow, age 50, 667 Goose Run Road, Marietta, OH, was placed under arrest and charged with obstructing justice. Longfellow was transported to the Washington County Jail for processing.
11 Feb 2025 Deputy Thornberry initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of US 50 and SR 555, Belpre Township, due to a traffic violation. After activating the emergency lights the driver continued to drive for a period of time before finally coming to a stop on the side of the roadway. The passenger could be seen moving erratically inside the vehicle during that time. Deputy Thornberry approached the driver, Ryan Dye, and asked for his driver’s license. Dye advised he did not have his driver’s license, however handed Deputy Thornberry an ID. A check of the WV ID revealed his license was expired. The registered owner (passenger) was asked for consent to search the vehicle, which she gave. This search revealed a cigarette pack with a baggie of a white crystal substance, which appeared to be methamphetamine, and a metal case with a short straw, resembling paraphernalia consistent with methamphetamine use. Dye admitted that the white crystal substance was methamphetamine. Ryan Adam Dye, age 40, 35 Aqua Circle, Parkersburg, WV, was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail charged with possession of methamphetamines.
12 Feb 2025 Deputy Davis requested a summons be issued for Jessica Marie Ruble, age 38, Vienna, WV, and James Ryan Andrews, age 40, Little Hocking, OH, on a charge of disorderly conduct/fighting. 9 Feb 2025 Sgt. Augenstein and Deputy Davis were dispatched to the area of State Route 339 in Barlow Township to a passerby/motorist observing a male and female in what appeared to be a physical altercation in a vehicle traveling on State Route 339. Information was gathered by dispatch and deputies were able to locate the vehicle near Barrett South Road. Deputies made contact with the driver, James Andrews, and questioned him about the incident. Andrews stated he and Jessica Ruble were fighting in the vehicle on the roadway but Ruble was no longer at the residence. Deputy Davis spoke with Ruble via public service and she stated that she asked Andrews to take her home but he refused. She stated that a small physical altercation ensued inside the car. When asked to meet with Deputy Davis, Ruble agreed after a scheduled appointment. Ruble failed to contact Deputy Davis to meet for an interview and failed to answer returned calls. Andrews had noticeable minor injuries to his face and informed deputies that Ruble “went off” while they were driving.
The following individuals were processed into the Washington County Jail between 11 Feb 2025:
Austin Michael Matthews, age 22, Parkersburg, WV, theft, a felony.
Velinda Kay Mantz, age 47, Marietta, OH, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, grand theft, 9 counts forgery, 4 counts breach of recognizance, illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility, 2 counts aggravated possession of drugs, grand theft, all felonies, and obstructing official business, a misdemeanor.
Joven Quinn Keeley Harris McLoughlin, age 26, Marietta, OH, contempt of court, a felony.
Ryan Adam Dye, age 40, possession of drugs, a felony.
Jordan Michael River Benedum, age 24, Belpre, OH, having weapons while under disability, a felony.
There are currently 24 women and 109 men incarcerated in the Washington County Jail.
