6 indicted in Williams County in methamphetamine case

5/20/2004

BRYAN - Six men were indicted on charges related to methamphetamines yesterday by the Williams County grand jury, which is thought to be the most ever by one grand jury in this northwesternmost Ohio county in connection to the illegal drug.

"It seems like it's really starting to mushroom," said Todd Snyder, an investigator in the county prosecutor's office. "And I don't see it slowing down at all."

Two brothers from rural Pioneer, who were found with meth-making supplies when authorities responded to a domestic violence call this month, were among those indicted.

Douglas W. Richter, 37, of 13948 County Road 17, was indicted on aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony, and having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony.

His older brother, Matthew H. Richter, 39, of the same address, was indicted on illegal manufacturing of drugs, a second-degree felony; having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony; and unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, a fifth-degree felony.

Both remained in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio last night.

Others indicted on illegal manufacture of meth, a second-degree felony, were:

●Kris A. Kerr, 31, of 16444 County Road 20 near Alvordton.

●Christopher S. Ritchie, 26, of Butler, Ind., who was held in CCNO last night.

●Marvin Richard Rising, 50, whose last known address is 106 East Main St., Alvordton. He was being held in CCNO last night.

Indicted on aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony, was Jeffery L. Stayer, 41, of 02867 County Road 6 near Edgerton.

Methamphetamine - also known as meth, speed, ice, crystal, and crank - is a potent stimulant that keeps some users awake for days and increases their strength and self-confidence. Side effects can include convulsions and stroke.

Users smoke, snort, inject, and eat the drug, which is typically produced using a fertilizer that farmers use to grow corn, called anhydrous ammonia.

In unrelated cases, among a total of 22 people indicted yesterday, were one man indicted for endangering children, a third-degree felony, and two people indicted for assault on a law officer, a fourth-degree felony.

Patrick Alan McAfee, Jr., 25, of 530 Columbia St., Montpelier, was indicted for endangering his girlfriend's 4-year-old daughter. Mr. Snyder said the child was bruised from excessive discipline.

Lisa Kay Storms, 36, of 446 County Farm Road, near Harrison, Mich., was indicted for assault on a Williams County sheriff's deputy. Authorities said she kicked the deputy in the chest when he arrested her on domestic violence charges.

She was being held in CCNO last night.

Justin L. Beck, 26, of 104 East Lynn St., Stryker, was indicted for assault on a Stryker police officer. Authorities said Mr. Beck slapped an officer and pushed the officer to the ground when he became upset when the vehicle in which he was a passenger was stopped for a traffic violation.

He was being held in CCNO last night.