Bond set at $215,000 for man charged with drug offenses after turnpike stop

1/17/2013
BLADE NEWS SERVICES

GENOA – A Pennsylvania man was arraigned today on multiple drug charges after state troopers stopped his vehicle Wednesday on the Ohio Turnpike and discovered small amounts of several substances during an ensuing search.

Matthew Russick, 28, of New Castle, Pa., is charged with two counts of aggravated drug trafficking, possession of crack cocaine, and possession of heroin -- all felonies -- plus misdemeanor drug possession, possession of drug instruments, and a turn-signal violation.

Mr. Russick remained in the Ottawa County jail after arraignment in lieu of $215,000 bond. He was arraigned during a video appearance in Ottawa County Municipal Court.

The Ohio Highway Patrol said troopers stopped a rented car with Texas plates that Mr. Russick was driving near Milepost 75, in Clay Township between the I-280 and State Rt. 51 interchanges, on Wednesday morning for an improper lane change. "Criminal indicators were observed" and a drug-sniffing dog alerted to the vehicle, according to the report.

Troopers then seized an ounce of crack cocaine packaged for resale, four grams of heroin, a syringe and a Suboxone packet, the patrol said. The drugs have an estimated street value of $5,000.

If convicted, Mr. Russick could face up to 21-1/2 years in prison and a fine of up to $45,000.