HARTFORD, Ky. — An ongoing investigation by the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office dealing with stolen property and illegal drug use continued to move forward last Friday.
According to Ohio County Sheriff Tracy Beatty, OCSO deputies, along with troopers of the Kentucky State Police, converged on a home in the 1400 block of Scottown Road around 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, 2018.
Officers have been looking for an a man named Chester Howard in reference to a search warrant the OCSO had served July 31, 2018. During the July 31 search, deputies found stolen property, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. An arrest warrant was issued for Howard in reference to that case.
While trying to find Howard at the home on Scottown Road last Friday, deputies found more stolen property in plain view. Based on that and other information, OCSO detectives were able to get a search warrant for the Scottown residence as well.
The second search revealed more illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. Also, deputies located one female pit bull which had been penned up without food or water. The pit bull was determined to be the mother of seven other pit bull puppies discovered inside a bathroom without food or water. The outside temperature was 93 degrees when deputies and troopers entered the home. There was no electricity in the home, and the animals were promptly removed by law enforcement.
Howard will now face other charges in reference to this new case. OCSO detectives anticipate obtaining more arrest warrants for other people found to be involved in these cases.
If you have any information on Howard’s whereabouts, you are encouraged to call the OCSO at 270-298-4411. You do not have to leave your name.