Archived Story
Two arrested in raid to appear in court
Published 10:06am Monday, January 16, 2012SOUTH POINT — The owner and manager of a novelty store in South Point have court dates scheduled.
Robert Holley, 45, of Rush, Ky., owner of Counter Culture, was arrested Thursday at his store for trafficking in drugs, a fifth degree felony. Holley is charged with allegedly selling synthetic marijuana and other analog compounds at the store in November 2011.
The arrest came during a raid by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s drug task force. Additional items from the store that investigators allege are synthetic compounds were seized and sent for analysis. If those items are determined to be illegal substances, additional charges will be filed against Holley, according to Sheriff Jeff Lawless.
Synthetic marijuana and comparable compounds were deemed illegal substances in October after the passage of Ohio House Bill 64.
The store manager, Josh Tackett, 32, of Olive Hill, was also arrested at the time for tampering with evidence, a third degree felony. During the raid Tackett allegedly attempted to hide materials as investigators were conducting their search.
Both men were taken to Lawrence County Jail. Holley was released on a $15,000 bond Thursday. Tackett was released on a $10,000 bond on Friday.
Holley and Tackett appeared in Lawrence County Municipal Court Friday for arraignments.
Holley will have a pretrial hearing on Jan. 23 at the municipal court. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Tackett on Friday.
Interesting. Seems every problem neighbor where I live has moved here from either WV or KY. Everything from trash, garbage, guns, and trespassing to harrassment and theft.
(Report comment)
Do you really believe that the problem in lawrence county is people who moved here from west virginia and kentucky?
Enjoy your next Klan meeting.
(Report comment)
You know, stupid redneck, there is a element of people living in this county (most of which have moved here from the two adjoining states) that really do not reflect or express the way in which most hard-working people in Lawrence County or southern Ohio behave or conduct their lives. In fact, most of these bottomfeeders are the reason our law enforcement budget is escalating. I think the best description of this element of individuals is pure hillbilly and certainly not hard-working Appalachian people.
The Ironton Tribune often does not report all the facts in an article because quite simply, they don’t have all the facts. There may be alot more going on at this establishment that law enforcement and prosecutors cannot yet reveal to the public. There may be an entire ring or network of scum that are tied to this bunch. In any case, just looking at the photos of this place makes me sick. Not a place I would want my children walking by or going into, so believe me, we would not in anyway shop at any store in this strip mall. You also likely have NO insight into what training or abilities the deputies of Lawrence County possess other than your opinion so I have to support that they know and understand what they are doing.
(Report comment)
I didn’t attack you personally poor richard. but thanks for showing your class. the point is that what they are saying is false and you people buy it. When Jeff Lawless says that synthetic pot is like a heroin high. that is the biggest bunch of crap I have ever heard. If they want to look at a really dangerous drug look at all the beer stores.
(Report comment)
Poor Richard
I agree.
(Report comment)
Thank you stupid_redneck.
I’ll say one thing for you, your name is certainly fitting for your intelligence.
(Report comment)
poor richard, what is your love affair with these guys? if I were you I would get some facts before I spouted man love for these cops. Everything the government tells you isn’t true. Telling the public that these people are ” crazy, like a heroin high” is fear mongering.
(Report comment)
Excellent work, Lawrence County Law Enforcement! Lets see if the the county prosecutor and judge put him where he belongs for a very long time — NOT ON COMMUNITY SERVICE!
Law Enforcement needs to start proceedings to relieve the strip mall owner of his/her building and property through civil forfeiture. This is a perfect candidate and would set an excellent example to others turning a blind eye to criminal activity on their property. Oh, and take the volvo too for an added bonus. The sale of the property could help law enforcement arrest more bottomfeeders.
(Report comment)
It’s not synthectic marijuana ,it’s sold as incense . And its legal in more states then not . Go after the big boys an leave the small business alone for trying to make a living in these hard times . Some one has to much time on their hands SPPD . Never bought it but in most Jiffy stores in Fla you can buy it .
(Report comment)