A Highland County grand jury returned indictments against nine individuals on , including charges related to methamphetamine trafficking, tampering with evidence, and assault on a peace officer. The indictments signal an ongoing effort by local law enforcement to address drug-related crime in the region.
Among those indicted, Allen R. West, 45, of Milledgeville, faces the most serious charges. He is accused of aggravated possession of methamphetamine and aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine, both first-degree felonies. The indictment alleges that on or around , West “knowingly obtained, possessed or used,” and “knowingly prepared for shipment, shipped, transported, delivered, prepared for distribution or distributed,” methamphetamine in an amount exceeding 50 times the bulk amount, but less than 100 times the bulk amount. Prosecutors further allege West “knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the controlled substance was intended for sale or resale.”
Beyond the drug charges, West is also indicted on a third-degree felony count of tampering with evidence. The indictment claims that on the same date, he “altered, destroying, concealing or removing any record, document or thing with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence in [an official] proceeding or investigation.” A 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, allegedly used in the transportation of the methamphetamine, is subject to forfeiture.
The indictments extend beyond West’s case, revealing a broader investigation into drug activity within Highland County. Megan R. Penwell, 28, of Portsmouth, and Bryce I. Penwell, 35, of South Salem, were both charged with aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine and aggravated possession of methamphetamine, both third-degree felonies. These charges are a superseding indictment, meaning they replace previous charges filed in January with the same counts. The Penwells are alleged to have possessed and distributed methamphetamine in an amount equal to or exceeding the bulk amount, but less than five times the bulk amount, on or about .
Other indictments highlight a range of criminal activity. Dana M. Barnes, 36, of Greenfield, was charged with tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, accused of presenting false information to a public official on or around , with the intent to mislead an official proceeding or investigation. Dylan A. Downs, 26, of Greenfield, faces a fourth-degree felony charge of assault on a peace officer, stemming from an alleged incident on or around .
Several individuals were indicted on fifth-degree felony counts of aggravated possession of methamphetamine. These include Carmella Birchum, 41, and Tad Mills, 37, both of Hillsboro, indicted jointly; Tye R. Elliott, 42, of Leesburg; and Wayne McComas, 18, of New Vienna.
The Highland County Task Force played a significant role in these indictments. Nineteen of the thirty indictments handed down on , were the result of Task Force investigations, according to Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins. The Task Force, working with the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, and Greenfield Police Department, executed search warrants and made several arrests on , as part of “Operation Fetty Stop,” an initiative focused on combating fentanyl trafficking and use in the county.
The prosecutor’s office indicated that suspected fentanyl and/or narcotics were discovered during the execution of search warrants. The Task Force encourages the public to submit anonymous tips regarding substance abuse and trafficking, which can be provided through their Facebook page or directly to the Highland County Prosecutor’s Office.
an indictment represents a formal accusation and does not constitute proof of guilt. The legal process will now proceed, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
