The Scioto County Grand Jury has handed down a sweeping indictment against a McDermott woman, accusing her of causing serious injuries in a drug-related crash while driving the wrong way on the roadway.
Rebecca Sowards, 30, of McDermott, was indicted on multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated Vehicular Assault
- Possession of a Fentanyl-Related Compound
- Aggravated Possession of Drugs (two counts)
- Possessing Drug Abuse Instruments
- Illegal Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Violation of Lanes of Travel on Roadways
According to the indictment, the incident occurred on November 19, when Sowards allegedly caused serious physical harm to another person while operating a vehicle. Prosecutors say she was driving the wrong way before the crash and was found to be in possession of multiple drugs and drug paraphernalia at the time of the incident.
Prior Drug Conviction
Court records show Sowards has a prior felony drug conviction. In 2021, she was convicted of possessing fentanyl and sentenced to three years of community control. That probation was revoked in 2022, then later reinstated after she was ordered into a rehabilitation program.
Sowards ultimately completed that probation in November 2024—just weeks before the alleged crash that led to the current indictment.
The case now moves to Scioto County Common Pleas Court, where Sowards will be required to answer to the charges.