Out-of-state drug dealers with long criminal records continue to move into the homes of vulnerable local women, using promises of money, security, and companionship to establish drug operations in Scioto County.
It is a pattern Scioto County Daily News first put a spotlight on several years ago. Many of the cases involve young single mothers with little or no previous criminal history. Some live in public housing. The men who move in often have extensive records, and some have known gang connections.
A recent string of arrests suggests the problem is not going away.
SCDN reached out to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman to ask whether his office is still seeing traffickers use these tactics.
“The predatory tactics described in your previous article remain a significant concern for our agency and our community,” Thoroughman said.
According to the sheriff, these men often target women who are struggling financially, socially isolated, or desperate for support.
They may initially appear to offer help. But that help can quickly turn into control, with the woman’s home, vehicle, and personal relationships used to support drug trafficking.
“Exploitative individuals continue to prey on those facing economic hardship or social isolation, offering a façade of support while drawing vulnerable women and their families into the cycle of drug trafficking,” Thoroughman said.
Children living in those homes can also be placed in danger.
“Our commitment to protecting these individuals, and the innocent children involved, has only strengthened since our last discussion,” the sheriff said.
Isolation Can Be a Warning Sign
Thoroughman said predators take advantage of what he described as a “poverty of connection” as much as financial hardship.
A woman who feels alone, has no dependable support system, or is struggling to provide food and housing may be more likely to accept help from someone with dangerous motives.
One warning sign is a sudden withdrawal from family members, friends, or other people she previously trusted.
“If a loved one suddenly withdraws from her usual support network, this is a major red flag,” Thoroughman said.
The sheriff encouraged relatives, friends, churches, and community organizations to offer real alternatives before a trafficker gains control.
Help with food, transportation, housing, counseling, or child care may give a woman a safer option than relying on someone who intends to exploit her.
Watch for Unusual Traffic
The sheriff’s office is also asking residents to pay attention to suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
One common warning sign of drug trafficking is a sudden increase in vehicles or people making short visits to a home at all hours.
Residents do not need proof that a crime is happening before reporting suspicious behavior.
“If you notice an unusual increase in short-term traffic at a neighbor’s home, do not hesitate to contact us,” Thoroughman said. “You do not need absolute proof of a crime to report suspicious activity.”
A concerned friend or relative can also make a difference.
“If you suspect a single mother in your life is being manipulated, your presence and concern can be the safety net that disrupts the predator’s control,” the sheriff said.
Rather than immediately judging or cutting off the woman, offering support could help her leave a dangerous situation.
Manipulation Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Women caught in these situations may still face serious criminal charges when drugs, guns, cash, or other evidence are found inside their homes.
However, Thoroughman said many are also the targets of calculated manipulation.
“Our goal is to ensure that no mother feels that submitting to a criminal’s demands is her only path to survival,” he said.
The sheriff encouraged professional counseling, social services, and community support programs that can help women rebuild their independence and get away from abusive or controlling relationships.
Sheriff Promises Zero Tolerance for Predators
Thoroughman said his office remains focused on identifying out-of-town traffickers who come to Scioto County and target vulnerable residents.
“From an enforcement standpoint, our office remains hyper-focused on identifying and removing out-of-town traffickers who target our residents,” he said.
The sheriff said stopping the pattern will require cooperation between law enforcement, social service agencies, families, neighbors, and community organizations.
“By working together, law enforcement, social supports, and concerned neighbors can build a protective barrier around our most at-risk community members and make it clear that Scioto County is not a place where predators can exploit our citizens,” Thoroughman said.
