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Howland man faces charges
in drug raid |
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Cops claim bust one of largest in local history
By CHRISTOPHER BOBBY / Tribune Chronicle
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WARREN — A 27-year-old Howland man arrested last week in
what police said was one of the largest marijuana busts in local history was
charged in a three-count indictment released Thursday that also seeks to
seize from him cars, a motorcycle, TVs and a gaming system.
Richard A. Minich, 4006 Fairlawn Heights S.E., was scheduled to be arraigned
Tuesday on two counts of trafficking marijuana and a third count of
possession of marijuana. His case has been assigned to Trumbull County
Common Pleas Judge John M. Stuard.
All counts contain specifications that property will be forfeited and the
indictments spell out a long list of what was confiscated.
Besides about $356,000 seized in Jan. 9 raids at Minich’s home and a duplex
at 151 and 153 Bonnie Brae Ave. N.E., Warren, authorities are seeking to
forfeit a 2002 Cadillac Escalade, 2002 Chevrolet Trail Blazer, 1990 Honda
1000 motorcycle, 16 $100-Kay Jeweler gift certificates, digital scale, money
counter, two pistols, a shotgun, home computer and equipment, two Vizio TVs,
camcorder, Bose surround sound system and two video game systems with games.
Sheriff’s deputies with a law enforcement task force and Howland police
seized 24 pounds of pot after buying 60 more pounds during undercover buys
prior to the raid, described as one of the largest in local history,
according to police reports.
Minich has been released on $250,000 bond set by Warren Municipal Judge
Terry Ivanchak, who attached a special condition of house arrest.
Minich’s attorney. J. Gerald Ingram, had filed a petition to force the court
to set a bond. Minich’s initial appearance ended with no bond given and
Ingram went directly to the local appellate court seeking relief.
Sgt. Jeff Orr with the TAG Law Enforcement Task Force said a four-month
investigation led up to last week’s raid on Minich’s Fairlawn Heights S.E.
home, which officers said was fortified with steel bars, a security system
and three pit bulls.
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