A Southern Ohio Drug Task Force investigation has landed two people in jail after officers seized a large amount of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and a loaded firearm during an early morning raid in Portsmouth.
The arrests came after members of the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force, assisted by the Portsmouth Police Department SWAT Team, executed a narcotics search warrant at a Jackson Street home around 7:13 a.m. on June 24.
🚔 DRUGS, CASH, AND GUN SEIZED
According to investigators, officers recovered:
- Approximately 73 grams of suspected crack cocaine
- A loaded firearm
- Digital scales
- Approximately $12,077 in cash
- Additional evidence consistent with drug trafficking
Authorities estimate the suspected drugs have a street value of approximately $7,300.
⚖️ TWO PEOPLE ARRESTED
Investigators arrested Kenneth Bailey, 36, of New Jersey, charging him with:
- Trafficking in Drugs (First-Degree Felony)
- Possession of Drugs (First-Degree Felony)
- Having Weapons Under Disability (Third-Degree Felony)
Also arrested was Hannah Lynne Hughes Hickman, 24, of Portsmouth, who is charged with:
- Trafficking in Drugs (First-Degree Felony)
- Possession of Drugs (First-Degree Felony)
Both were booked into the Scioto County Jail.
A FAMILIAR PATTERN
The case follows a pattern SCDN readers have seen repeatedly in major drug trafficking investigations.
A review of Portsmouth Municipal Court records shows Hughes Hickman has no prior criminal arrests in Portsmouth. Her public social media profiles portray her as a young mother with an Instagram perfect life.
Bailey, however, lists the same Jackson Street address and appears to have relocated from New Jersey.
Online court records indicate he has an extensive history of drug trafficking arrests and related criminal cases.
Investigators have not said how long Bailey had been living in Portsmouth.
MORE CHARGES POSSIBLE
Both defendants were scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on June 25.
The investigation is continuing, and the case will be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury, where prosecutors will consider whether additional felony charges should be filed.
DRUG TASK FORCE SEEKS TIPS
Chief Debby Brewer and Sheriff David Thoroughman are asking anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.
Officials say all tips are kept confidential and may be submitted anonymously.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.