News 19 Feb 2025
14 Feb 2025 Deputy Huffer, while stationary at 10930 SR 821 (Salem-Liberty Elementary School), Salem Township, observed a vehicle approaching his location in the southbound lane of travel. This vehicle visually appeared to be exceeding the posted speed limit of 20 mph (school zone). As the vehicle drove past, Deputy Huffer activated the radar which read 45mph. The vehicle continued this speed throughout the posted/flashing 20 mph zone. A traffic stop was then conducted on the vehicle bearing Kentucky registration. The driver, Jacob Kelley, acknowledged he was going 45 mph and he advised he didn’t realize he was in a school zone. A citation was issued to Kelley, 337 Ward Avenue, Bellevue, KY, for speed.
14 Feb 2025 a resident of Muskingum Township arrived at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to report identity fraud. The victim advised a credit card was opened in his name in September of 2022 and he believes Tiffany Besserman is the responsible party that committed the offense. The victim was able to obtain information from the debt collectors of a phone number, address and email address all connected to the fraudulent credit card account. The phone number, address and email were all later confirmed to belong to Besserman. Besserman was interviewed in reference to this case, and admitted to using the victim’s information to open the credit card and not tell him. Besserman advised she used the card to pay off bills. A warrant is being requested through Marietta Municipal Court on a charge of identity fraud for Tiffany Besserman, age 41, 25855 Hillside Drive, Quaker City, OH.
15 Feb 2025 Deputy Thornberry was dispatched to Fairfield Township to a domestic in progress. Deputy Thornberry met with Melissa Edsell who stated that prior to deputies arriving she was in her mother’s bedroom and her father, Leonard Edsell, came into the room and was extremely upset with her. Leonard then began beating Melissa over the head. Leonard was hitting her and there was a shoving match, which developed into Leonard striking her multiple times on the right side of her face. Prior to Deputy Thornberry going into the residence to speak with Leonard, he observed minor redness on Melissa’s face. Upon speaking with Leonard he stated that they were in his wife’s bedroom when there was a fight about his wife and her care. He stated Melissa pushed him down and started yelling at him in which he shoved her multiple times. Leonard was asked if he had actually struck Melissa, due to the redness on her face. Leonard stated he did not know, and was just shoving back trying to get Melissa off of him. After completing the investigation Leonard Edsell, age 72, Cutler, OH, and Melissa Edsell, age 44, Cutler, OH, were advised that they would be summoned into Marietta Municipal Court on a disorderly conduct charge.
15 Feb 2025 Deputy Thornberry began an investigation into storage buildings being entered in Warren Township.
16 Feb 202 Deputy Thornberry was on patrol at approximately 0602 hours near US 50 and Collins Road, Belpre Township. Deputy Thornberry observed a 2008 Chevy Impala bearing Ohio driving with a fictitious registration. A traffic stop was conducted and Christopher Ledger was found to be operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license due to a non-compliance suspension. A citation was issued to Ledger, Coolville, OH, for driving under suspension.
The following individuals were processed into the Washington County Jail between 16 Feb 2025 to 18 Feb 2025:
Chase Christian Mayer, age 29, Marietta, OH, domestic violence, a misdemeanor.
Joanne Louise Savage, age 41, Belpre, OH, possession of drugs, a felony.
Lacie Lynn Faddis, age 29, Athens, OH, tampering with evidence, a felony.
Troy Eugene McKown, age 42, Dexter City, OH, probation violation, a misdemeanor.
Justin Michael Davis, age 41, Belpre, OH, domestic violence, and telecommunication harassment, both misdemeanors.
There are currently 26 women and 102 men incarcerated in the Washington County Jail.
