Seized drugs and paraphernalia from Findlay drug bust, seized in police raid by enforcement unit.

2025 Findlay, Ohio Detailed Summaries of Reported Drug Busts – The Fostoria Free Press

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Detailed Summaries of Reported Drug Busts in Findlay, Ohio (2025)

February 2025: Parkwood Drive Drug Bust

The Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force, along with the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team and Hancock County Special Response Team, executed search warrants at two residences on Parkwood Drive. Authorities seized 26 Suboxone strips, over 300 prescription pills, stolen credit cards, $490 in cash, two guns, and drug paraphernalia. One man was arrested, with charges expected against a 22-year-old and a 36-year-old for possession and permitting drug abuse.

Sources:

 

March 2025: Cherry Street Liquid Cocaine Seizure

Early on March 5, the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force raided a home in the 200 block of Cherry Street, arresting 34-year-old Porshia Frisbie on a drug trafficking charge. Authorities seized nearly 100 grams (96 grams reported) of liquid cocaine in vials, cash, and items indicative of drug trafficking. Additional possession and trafficking charges were anticipated.

Sources:

April 2025: Lester Avenue Meth and Cocaine Bust

On April 11, three individuals—Brianne Settlemire, Jeremiah Meeks, and Shela Long—were arrested after a narcotics search warrant at a Lester Avenue home. The raid uncovered suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Additional trafficking and possession charges were expected.

Sources:

August 2025: Multi-Agency Major Bust (Including Rector Avenue Fentanyl)

  • Early August (Rector Avenue): On August 6, a search warrant on Rector Avenue led to one arrest and the seizure of 265 suspected pressed fentanyl pills, two firearms (one stolen from Findlay), and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
  • Late August Multi-Location Raid: On August 20-21, a multi-agency operation involving the FBI seized hundreds of grams of cocaine, ketamine, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, LSD tablets, over 250 suspected fentanyl pills, firearms (including stolen ones), and trafficking evidence from multiple sites.

Sources:

October 2025: Major Vapor Vape Shop and Controlled Deliveries

  • October 7-8 (Major Vapor): Following complaints of illegal marijuana sales to adults and juveniles, a search warrant at Major Vapor vape shop yielded suspected marijuana products, vapes, THC and psilocybin edibles, a handgun, and cash. Trafficking and possession charges pending.
  • October 28-30 Controlled Deliveries: Assisted by the FBI, three controlled reverse deliveries stemmed from a multi-kilogram cocaine seizure investigation, leading to five arrests of Findlay buyers.

Sources:

November 2025: Shinkle Street Cocaine and Firearms Seizure

Following complaints and a traffic stop on October 19 yielding 8 grams of cocaine, a scale, and a loaded Glock, a November 4-6 search warrant at 108 Shinkle Street led to the arrest of 20-year-old Chance Musgrave on charges including possession, concealed weapons, and trafficking. Ongoing surveillance noted heavy traffic linked to prior drug/firearm cases.

Sources:

Colorful downtown Fostoria street with historic architecture and blooming floral displays, showcasing local community charm.

Small Town Findlay: A Higher Chance of Getting Robbed Compared to Fostoria

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Small Town Findlay, Ohio – home to around 40,000 residents – embodies classic small-town living in northwest Ohio. Far from the hustle of big cities like Columbus (over 900,000 people) or Cleveland (around 370,000), Findlay offers quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and a relaxed pace without skyscrapers, gridlock traffic, or overwhelming urban crowds.

Drug-related issues exist, as in many communities—the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force made several busts in 2024-2025, seizing methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and more—but these remain targeted enforcement efforts rather than widespread daily concerns.

Property Crime (Theft, Burglary, etc.)

  • Findlay: ~17 per 1,000
  • Fostoria: ~12 per 1,000 in recent reports

Property crime is the bulk in both towns—Findlay has more volume due to larger size/commercial areas, but per-person rates are similar or slightly higher in Fostoria.

Drug Crime

Both towns see regular busts via METRICH Task Force:

  • Findlay — Frequent seizures (meth, fentanyl, cocaine in 2024-2025 raids).
  • Fostoria — Similar targeted operations.

 

 

Police vehicle for Tiffin city police department with emergency lights.

Coroner Releases Causes of Death in November Tiffin Triple Murder-Suicide

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The Seneca County Coroner’s Office has wrapped up its investigation into the tragic November shooting in Tiffin that claimed four lives, including two young children, confirming all deaths were caused by gunshot wounds in a triple homicide followed by suicide.

The incident unfolded on November 19, 2025, in the 100 block of Huss Street when police responded to reports of shots fired around 6:24 p.m.

Autopsies, performed on November 21 by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office with Seneca County officials present, revealed:

  • Dustin Willey, 29: Died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, neck, torso, and back – ruled homicide.
  • A 7-year-old boy: Multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck – ruled homicide.
  • A 7-month-old infant: Single gunshot wound to the head – ruled homicide.
  • Ryan Eagon, 42: Single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head – ruled suicide (toxicology showed presumptive positive for caffeine only).

Authorities described the event as stemming from domestic issues. The children’s mother was in the process of moving out and had enlisted Willey (father of the older child) for help, believing Eagon was out of town. Eagon unexpectedly returned, leading to the fatal confrontation in the driveway.

The mother, uninjured, carried her wounded children inside before emergency crews arrived. First responders transported victims to local hospitals, where three were pronounced dead; the 7-year-old succumbed later.

This devastating case highlights the dangers associated with domestic conflicts. Local resources for those experiencing domestic violence include Sisters in Shelter in Tiffin (567-205-8771) and national hotlines.

The Tiffin community continues to mourn the loss, with previous vigils held in remembrance. The full investigation is closed, with no further charges expected.

Mugshot of suspect Ho Ho Hydrochloride with confiscated backpack, related to meth smuggling.

The ‘Elf on the Meth Shelf’: 55 Pounds of Meth Disguised as Christmas Presents Seized in Jeffersontown, Kentucky

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In a holiday ruse gone wrong, authorities in Jeffersontown, Kentucky (a city in Jefferson County, often referred to locally in township-like terms within the county) uncovered more than 55 pounds of methamphetamine cleverly wrapped as Christmas gifts during a major drug bust just days before Christmas.

On December 22, 2025, Jeffersontown Police detectives, working alongside Kentucky State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), conducted a narcotics investigation in the 11500 block of Bluegrass Parkway. The operation led to the arrest of 23-year-old Jacob Talamantes from Nebraska.

According to police reports, Talamantes arrived at the location in a vehicle. When confronted, he attempted to walk away but was detained. A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a search of the trunk. Inside, officers discovered multiple boxes and packages intricately wrapped in festive Christmas paper—containing over 55 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.

Ho Ho No! A drug courier trying to smuggle methamphetamine through ....   Authorities unwrapped a trunkful of meth-packed boxes that were ...

Talamantes reportedly admitted to investigators that he was traveling from Iowa with the intent to sell the drugs. He was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and booked into Louisville Metro Corrections. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

“No amount of festive wrapping can disguise the harm these drugs inflict on families and communities,” said Jeffersontown Police Chief Richard Sanders. “The coordinated efforts of partner agencies ensured these holiday-wrapped packages never reached the streets.”

This seizure represents a significant blow to drug trafficking in the region, highlighting ongoing collaborative efforts to combat the flow of methamphetamine into Kentucky communities.

The case underscores the creative—and dangerous—methods used by traffickers, especially during the holiday season when disguised packages might blend in more easily. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

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Colorful holiday gift wrapping with festive red and white snowflake designs, perfect for Christmas presents.
Messy office desk with scattered papers, packages, and supplies, highlighting disorganization.
Colorful holiday wrapping paper with presents in vehicle trunk during Christmas season.
ALT: Ohio State logo with news headline about a midnight heist in Fostoria.

Midnight Heist in Fostoria: Thief Makes Off with Prized Ohio State Doormat

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FOSTORIA |

In the quiet hours around 1:30 a.m., a nocturnal visitor turned petty thief struck in the secured apartment complex near the YMCA in Fostoria, Ohio. The resident heard suspicious sounds from the outdoor laundry room, followed by rustling near their front door. Moments later, the intruder descended the stairs and vanished—along with the apartment’s tan doormat featuring an Ohio State logo.

This wasn’t the thief’s first visit. Just last week, a pair of pink pliers had disappeared from the same doorstep.

Amazon.com: Likit Hot Pink Pliers : Tools & Home Improvement

The resident has filed a report with the Fostoria Police Division, emphasizing that the concern goes beyond the missing doormat. It’s about someone prowling the secured building in the middle of the night, taking items that don’t belong to them. As the post notes, “We work hard for what we have, especially my wife, and for her to have something she was so excited about taken from her really hurts my heart and burns my ass.”

Authorities are asking the public to keep an eye out for anyone possessing or trying to sell a gently used tan Ohio State doormat—or those distinctive pink pliers. The good news? The complex is equipped with plenty of security cameras, which may have captured the culprit in the act.

 

While the boldness of swiping a doormat might raise a chuckle—after all, it’s not exactly the score of the century—the incident highlights a real issue with nighttime intrusions in the area. If you spot the items, contact the Fostoria Police Division.

In a town where Buckeye pride runs deep, stealing an Ohio State doormat feels like a particularly low blow. Here’s hoping the footage leads to a quick resolution—and the safe return of one very enthusiastic fan’s welcome mat.

Police vehicle with Bowling Green department markings in Fostoria.

Bowling Green | Fostoria man arrested for stealing items from hospital

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A Fostoria man was arrested Sunday (12/21) for theft, criminal damaging and criminal trespassing at Wood County Hospital, 950 W. Wooster St.

Bowling Green Police were called to the hospital around 1 a.m., for a man who had been discharged hours before but had not left the facility. Police found the 55-year-old with his pants reportedly weighted down by items he had taken from a desk.

When asked if he had stolen the items and damaged property, the man allegedly told police he had and said, “I have very sticky fingers for some stupid reason.”

In his pockets, police found scissors, a stapler, tape dispenser, folding hex key set, and light bulbs for a Christmas tree.

The man was taken to Wood County Jail.

Clear image of Henry County court warrant document for local legal updates.

Ohio Woman Indicted on Child Rape Charges Amid Ongoing 3-Year Child Custody Battle

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Liberty Center, Ohio – December 21, 2025

A 32-year-old woman from Liberty Center, Ohio, has been indicted on serious charges involving the sexual assault of a young child, according to recent court records and local reports.

Mara Silva was booked into the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio following her indictment for rape of a child under the age of 13. The charges describe the offense as involving “sexual conduct” with a 6-year-old victim during a two-week period from October 16 to October 29, 2025. Court documents classify the act as “non-forcible,” though critics note that such distinctions offer little consolation in cases involving minors incapable of consent whether the offender is male or female.

The indictment comes in the context of a prolonged child custody dispute. Henry County court records indicate that Silva has been involved in an ongoing custody battle spanning approximately three years.

 

Key Details from Court Records

  • Accused: Mara Silva, 32, Liberty Center, Ohio
  • Charge: Rape of a child (described in documents as non-forcible sexual conduct)
  • Victim Age: 6 years old
  • Alleged Incident Dates: October 16–29, 2025
  • Related Context: Ongoing 3-year child custody case in Henry County

 

Public court documents related to the case can be accessed through the Henry County Clerk of Courts online portal (specific search links available via official channels).

This case has raised concerns about child safety and the intersection of family law disputes with criminal allegations. Authorities have not released additional details about the ongoing investigation or the custody proceedings to protect those involved.

Local communities are reminded to prioritize child protection and report any suspicions of abuse to appropriate authorities.

This article is based on publicly shared information from court records and local news reports as of December 2025. Developments in legal cases can change rapidly; readers are encouraged to consult official sources for the latest updates.

Clear image of Henry County court warrant document for local legal updates. Official local news source in Ohio focusing on community updates and legal notices. Child abuse arrest in Ohio court document.

Tags: #ChildSafety #OhioNews #JusticeSystem #ProtectChildren

Wooden student timeout box educational discipline.

Salmon River school admits to forcing kids into wooden boxes as ‘timeouts’

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Wooden student timeout box educational discipline.

Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, near Cornwall, Ontario | The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is calling for a vote of “no confidence” in the superintendent of the Salmon River school district after the school admitted children were confined in windowless boxes as punishment.

Photos of padded, wooden crates the size of an elementary schooler spread on Facebook Monday and drew outrage from parents and community members. Superintendent Stanley Harper originally said in response that the box pictured wasn’t used to discipline children at the Salmon River Elementary School or the St. Regis Mohawk School, which is also part of the district.

But at a board meeting Wednesday night, Harper admitted two other windowless boxes were used as a “timeout” discipline technique. According to North Country Now, he said they had been in use for up to several weeks. He said they have since been taken apart and removed.

At a public meeting at the Akwesasne Housing Authority Tuesday, several parents claimed that their children had been put inside the box as a timeout technique. Organizers said the box was designed for a specific 8-year-old student who is on the spectrum and non-verbal.

In a statement, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council called the boxes “inhumane” and said their use showed “gross mismanagement and overarching broad operational failures.” The tribal chiefs called for the school board to declare “no confidence” in Harper and his leadership. They also called for an independent investigation into the matter.

The incident is particularly sensitive because of a painful part of Mohawk and indigenous history. In the 1900s, thousands of native children were forced to go to residential schools, where they were often tortured.

According to the Albany Times-Union, the state education department told the school to stop placing children in “seclusion” and said it will send representatives to visit the school this week.

Toledo man arrested & charged on basement kidnapping, strangulation, and robbery. 

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Toledo police have arrested and charged Deontay Buchanan, 29, for allegedly holding a woman captive in his mother’s basement and assaulting her. The arrest occurred on Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2025.
According to court documents and police reports, Buchanan prevented the woman from leaving the basement of a home on Noble Street throughout the night. During her captivity, he allegedly choked her, punched her multiple times in the face, and threatened her with a knife. He also reportedly confiscated her phone. 
The victim sustained visible injuries to her neck and required medical attention at a local hospital. 
Buchanan is facing felony charges, which include kidnapping, strangulation, and robbery. 

Tragic Infant Death in Fostoria: Joseph Bonito’s Arrest, Guilty Plea, and 25-Year Prison Sentence

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Incident Overview

On February 11, 2025, just before noon, officers from the Fostoria Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 4-month-old infant at a residence in the 1500 block of North Countyline Street in Fostoria, Ohio. The father, Joseph D. Bonito (then 24 years old), made the 911 call, reporting that he had last checked on his son, Carson J. Bonito, about three hours earlier to feed him, but the child now appeared “white” and unresponsive. First responders performed lifesaving measures and transported the infant to Fostoria ProMedica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The child’s mother was at work at the time, and police noted this was not the first instance of abuse.

Investigators from the Fostoria Police Department and Wood County Children Services determined the death was not natural or accidental, with injuries consistent with trauma and abuse. Bonito admitted to shaking and squeezing the infant, which caused the fatal injuries. Bonito had no prior record with Fostoria police.

Arrest and Charges

Bonito was arrested on February 11, 2025, initially charged with murder and child endangering. He was held without bond in Wood County Jail. A Wood County grand jury indicted him on February 19, 2025, on charges of murder (unclassified felony), endangering children (second-degree felony), and felonious assault (second-degree felony). He was arraigned with bond set at $500,000, and a hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2025.

Plea and Sentencing

On October 6, 2025, Bonito pleaded guilty to amended charges: one count of involuntary manslaughter (first-degree felony), one count of child endangering (second-degree felony), and two counts of felonious assault (second-degree felonies). This was part of a plea deal with prosecutors. His defense attorney noted he had accepted responsibility and shown remorse. Bonito declined to address the court.

On November 3, 2025, Wood County Common Pleas Judge Mary “Molly” L. Mack sentenced Bonito to 25 to 31.5 years in prison: 11 to 16.5 years for manslaughter and 7 years each for the two assault charges, served consecutively. He was transferred from jail to prison that day.

Public Records and Released Materials

The Fostoria Police Department released the 911 call audio made by Bonito shortly after the arrest. No specific details were found on the release of body-worn camera footage, interrogation video/audio, photographs, or other materials in response to public records requests. However, the Law&Crime Network published detailed coverage of the case, including Bonito’s mugshot and background on the incident, suggesting they obtained at least some records (such as reports or photos) through their request or other means. No explicit confirmation of the request’s fulfillment status was located in public sources, but the widespread media reporting (including from WTOL, WTVG, Sentinel-Tribune, and others) indicates that key investigative details were made available to the press. The Fostoria Police Department’s website does not list any press releases or archives related to this case as of the latest available data.

Current Status

As of November 15, 2025, the case is closed following Bonito’s sentencing on November 3, 2025. He is serving his prison term in an Ohio state correctional facility. No appeals or further proceedings have been reported in public sources. No recent social media discussions (e.g., on X) were found mentioning updates beyond the sentencing.