10 arrested in Darke, Randolph counties on multiple drug trafficking charges

Multiple drug-related charges are being filed against at least 10 men and women caught up in a sweep prompted by community complaints, Union City, Ohio, Police Chief Mark Ater said.

The Darke County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force, and police from Greenville, Union City (Ohio) and Union City (Indiana) recently partnered to make the arrests in Darke and Randolph (Indiana) counties.

“Area agencies are committed to working together to address the drug problem within the surrounding communities,” Ater said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to join resources in our fight against drugs in our communities.”

There are multiple cases pending and several more arrests on drug trafficking charges will be made, Ater said.

Here are the details about the arrests and charges so far:

Oct. 12: Joseph Smith, 37, of Greenville, on one count of drug trafficking (marijuana) to a juvenile in Greenville. Smith is being detained on bond and has multiple charges pending in Darke County.

Oct. 30: Brittney Harris, 26, of Union City, Ohio, on a charge of aggravated trafficking. Harris has since been released by Darke County on a recognizance bond — her promise to attend all court hearings in her case.

Wednesday: Kayela Trittschuh, 28, of Greenville; Jesse Riley, 24, of Union City, Ohio; and Ariel Stewart, 25, of Union City, Indiana, all were arrested on a charge of aggravated trafficking. All three are in the Darke County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Kelly E. Smith, 23, of Union City, Indiana, already in the Randolph County Jail, was additionally charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking. Smith will be turned over to Darke County for arraignment.

Shawn Stewart, 43, of Union City, Indiana, on charges of trafficking (methamphetamine) and visiting a common nuisance. Shawn Stewart is in the Randolph County Jail awaiting his initial appearance.

Union City, Indiana, police, serving an arrest warrant at a residence in the 900 block of West Hickory Street, said they detected a strong odor of drugs coming from the residence.

Officers said they located drugs in the residence and arrested the following individuals (all of Union City, Indiana): Tracy Riley, 45; Makayla Riggs, 21; and Tiffany Nickel, 29. At the county jail, Nickel was found to have an illegal drug in her mouth. Jail staff was able to retrieve the item. She will be charged additionally with resisting law enforcement.