Police investigated home for a week

PDT Staff Writer

A weeklong investigation culminated in the arrest of a New Boston man on drug charges Friday.

According to New Boston Police, officers have been investigating reports of possible drug trafficking at the home of Justin Burchett, 22, of 3443 Shale Drive in New Boston, for several weeks.

“We've received complaints of trafficking, and a lot of officers have noticed a lot of traffic coming and going there,” said Capt. Steve Goins of the New Boston Police.

Goins said Burchett was out on bond from municipal court pending charges of theft, forgery, and telecommunications fraud.

One of the requirements for being released on bond is that the individual must be tested for drugs, and Goins said that on Thursday of last week, Burchett tested positive for OxyContin.

Following the test results, and because police were already watching Burchett's home for possible drug trafficking, officers obtained and executed a search warrant on Friday.

According to the report, upon searching the residence, officers found OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, snorting straws and spoons with white residue on them, needles and syringes, marijuana, weight scales, plastic baggies, and $247 in cash.

Burchett was arrested and charged with trafficking in OxyContin, possession of OxyContin, possession of Percocet, possession of Xanax and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was taken to the New Boston Police Department, and later to the Scioto County Jail where he was awaiting an appearance in municipal court on Monday.

“If citizens have any information on drug activity, they can call the drug hotline,” Goins said.

The New Boston drug hotline number is (740) 456-4144, and callers can choose to remain anonymous.

In Portsmouth the hotline number is (740) 354-3784 (DRUG).

To report drug activity to the Scioto County Sheriff's Office, call (740) 354-7566.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235.