Guernsey County Sheriff's Office sponsors meth bust training

Guernsey County Sheriff's Office sponsors meth bust training

Officers from several local agencies gather for Ohio BCI course on Friday

by Z. Daniel Barnett - Published: May 17, 2013

The Guernsey County Sheriff's Office is taking a proactive approach to the surge of meth-related activity by holding training for local law enforcement agencies.

Detectives, deputies, and officers from the Cambridge Police Department and Guernsey and Noble County Sheriff's Offices attended Friday morning's training session at the Guernsey Count Justice Center. Special Agent Scott Duff of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation said that his training is about keeping first responders safe:

Det. Sam Williams of the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office said that methampetamine activity poses greater hazards to the public and law enforcement. The chemicals used in its manufacture can be toxic, corrosive, or even explosive, and modern "shake and bake" methods of production are harder to spot, to the untrained eye.

Special Agent Duff said that the Ohio BCI responded to 600 meth lab incidents in 2012. This year, agents have already assisted in 400 meth lab busts.

Law enforcement officers in Guernsey County have seen a similar increase, with three suspected or confirmed meth labs taken down in just the last several weeks.

Photo: Members from several area agencies on Friday morning learn about the proper way to identify and take down a meth lab.

Kimbolton man arrested in connection with fatal hit-and-run

Kimbolton man arrested in connection with fatal hit-and-run

One teen killed, another seriously injured in Saturday collision on Old 21 Road
by Z. Daniel Barnett - Published: April 14, 2013

Charges have been leveled against a Kimbolton man for his role in Saturday's fatal hit-and-run collision in Guernsey County.

Court records show 29-year-old Thomas D. Nugent has been charged with failure to stop following an accident (F3) and tampering with evidence (F3) in connection with the weekend incident. Sheriff Mike McCauley said a tip from a concerned citizen led authorities to Nugent's location and subsequent arrest on Sunday morning. The suspect’s vehicle was located in a barn not far from where the crash occurred, near the intersection of Old 21 Road and State Route 541.

Reports indicate two teenagers were seriously injured just after midnight on Saturday when the suspect struck a riding lawn mower being towed by a four-wheeler. One juvenile, 14-year-old Brandon Pethtel, died on Saturday as a result of his injuries. The other, 15-year-old Dillon Durben, remains in the care of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Hospital officials declined to release any information about his condition, but a social media post by the victim indicates he's in stable condition and recuperating.

Further charges may be filed against Nugent, who has an extensive criminal history that includes previous driving and drug-related offenses. He remains in custody in the Guernsey County Jail.

Original Story - Published April 13, 2013:
One teenager was killed and another critically injured in a hit-and-run accident on Old 21 Road on Saturday.

Guernsey County Sheriff Mike McCauley said that a 15-year-old was using a four-wheeler to tow a riding lawn mower and its 14-year-old passenger when a small, red car struck the pair of vehicles from behind just north of State Route 541. According to witnesses at the scene, the red car sped away without stopping.

Both juveniles were transported to Southeastern Med, then life-flighted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. The 14-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival. The 15-year-old remains under treatment with undisclosed injuries.

Sheriff McCauley is now asking Guernsey County residents to be on-the-lookout for the vehicle involved in the crime. The small, red car of unknown make and model would have damage to the front passenger side of the vehicle. Anyone with information connected to this fatal collision should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 740.439.4455.

Sheriff's Detective promoted to Captain

Det. Jeff Paden promoted to Captain
Paden has served Sheriff' Office for nearly 20 years
by Z. Daniel Barnett - Published: February 7, 2013


A Guernsey County law enforcement official was recently promoted to the rank of Captain.
Detective Jeff Paden of the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office was honored with the promotion from Sergeant to Captain earlier this month. Paden is a 1988 graduate of Cambridge High School and life-long Guernsey County resident. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Ohio University Zanesville, and is currently working toward his Master Criminal Investigator Certificate through the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy.
In 1994, Paden was hired by the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office as a deputy. In 2010, he was promoted to Detective Sergeant, and in that capacity he has worked numerous homicide and felony cases.
Paden says that one of his most rewarding accomplishments is being a co-founder of the Cambridge Challenger League. He is also involved in numerous local organizations - including Guernsey Lodge No. 66 F&AM, Cambridge Moose Lodge No. 631, and FOP Lodge No. 136, where he serves as President. Paden is also active in Secret Santa and Shop with a Deputy.