A six-month investigation by the Greene County Sheriff’s office has led to the arrest of four Greene and Dallas county men on drug charges.
James Martin Moreland Jr., 46, of 1228 W. Fourth St., Perry, was charged with controlled substance violation and ongoing criminal conduct.
Ryan Joseph Murphy, 40, of 205 N. Locust St., Jefferson, was charged with controlled substance violation and ongoing criminal conduct.
Sean Patrick Phillip Shell, 45, of 204 N. Maple St., Jefferson, was arrested for a controlled substance violation, first-offense possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of prescription medication and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Martin John Tolsdorf, 56, of 807 Hager St. E., Grand Junction, was charged with third or subsequent offense possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The investigation began in early September 2020, according to court records, and included a search of some 4,509 pages of Facebook Messages over six months and the interview of numerous persons of interest.
The investigation identified a number of people allegedly involved in “a large drug network in the Greene County area and the city of Perry occurring over several years,” according to court records.
Search warrants were executed March 16 at two Jefferson residences: 204. N. Maple St. and 205 No. Locust St., leading to the seizure of “suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia,” according to court records.
Shell and Tolsdorf were arrested March 16.
A warrant for Moreland’s arrest was ordered March 26 in Greene County District Court and served March 29. Moreland is held in the Greene County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 7 in Greene County District Court.
A warrant for Murphy’s arrest was ordered March 26 in Greene County District Court and served March 29. Murphy is held in the Greene County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 7 in Greene County District Court.
Shell waived a March 31 preliminary hearing in Greene County District Court. Tolsdorf is scheduled for a hearing April 7 in Greene County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
