On August 6, 2018 detectives from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence located on East Ohio Avenue in Mount Vernon. The warrant was part of a coordinated operation that involved two residences in Columbus, and one residence in Marion. Items seized from the Ohio Avenue location included suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia, electronic devices, safes, a surveillance system, cash, and ammunition. Items seized at the other locations included suspected methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, pills, and marijuana. Over a dozen firearms and cash were also seized.
The investigation was initiated by Knox County Sheriff’s Office detectives approximately eight months ago. They set out to target Columbus area and local dealers that were delivering a continuous and significant amount of illegal drugs to the Knox County area. Two people were arrested at the Ohio Avenue location. Lisa M Poole age 55 was arrested on charges of aggravated trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, and permitting drug abuse. Nola Smith age 44 was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Multiple arrests were made at the other locations. The case remains under investigation and further charges are possible.
Agencies that assisted in the operation included the Mount Vernon Police Department, Columbus Police Department, Marion Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office.