She built her brand on glitter, gel, and grandma life.
Now she’s sitting in a jail cell.
A well-known local nail tech — a mom and grandmother whose recent social media posts showed her smiling at a baby celebration — was arrested Monday in a major drug investigation that netted more than 200 grams of suspected narcotics.
According to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman and Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer, 39-year-old Brandy Cottrell of Portsmouth was taken into custody after the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force executed search warrants at both her home on Upton Road and her business, Nails by Brandy, on Ohio River Road in Wheelersburg.
Investigators say what they found wasn’t nail polish.
At approximately 11:51 a.m. on February 23, task force officers searched both properties. Authorities report seizing suspected fentanyl, suspected crack cocaine, digital scales, and other evidence consistent with drug trafficking.
In total, officers say they confiscated approximately 218 grams of suspected fentanyl and/or crack cocaine during the investigation.
Cottrell was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking in Drugs (Felony of the 1st Degree)
- Possession of Drugs (Felony of the 2nd Degree)
She was booked into the Scioto County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, February 24 at 9 a.m.
The case will be forwarded to the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office and presented to a Scioto County Grand Jury, where additional felony charges could be considered.
From Baby Showers to Booking Photos
What makes the arrest particularly jarring is Cottrell’s recent public image. Social media posts show her celebrating family milestones and anticipating the birth of a grandchild. Friends described her online as a proud mom and excited grandmother.
Shortly after news of the arrest spread, the Nails by Brandy Facebook page posted that the shop would be closed “until further notice,” and all appointments were canceled.
A Past — and a Comeback
Court records show Cottrell was previously arrested in 2011 on drug abuse and child endangerment charges. She was sentenced to complete the STAR Justice Program and five years of probation — which she successfully completed.
Since then, her record had remained largely clean, aside from minor traffic offenses, including texting while driving, speeding, and a stop sign violation.
Until now.
Sheriff Thoroughman and Chief Brewer thanked deputies and officers from both the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and the Portsmouth Police Department for assisting with the warrant executions.
Authorities are asking anyone with drug-related information to contact the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force tip line at (740) 354-5656 or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. All tips can remain confidential and anonymous.
As the case moves forward, one thing is certain: what started as another Monday morning has turned into a headline that has left many in the local beauty community stunned.