BUCYRUS — Three people arrested in August were arraigned Monday with bonds climbing to more than $2 million.
Joseph F. Murphy, 31, of Waverly, was charged for the illegal manufacturing of drugs, a first-degree felony, and permitting drug abuse, a fifth-degree felony. His bond was set at $1 million.
Matthew Alley, 31, of Chillicothe, faced related charges but with a third-degree felony for tampering with evidence. His bond was also set at $1 million.
Natasha Dent, 22, of Galion, was also charged for the illegal manufacturing of drugs and for possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. Her bond was set at $150,000.
Crawford County Prosecutor Matthew Crall said the trio are being charged in with an alleged methamphetamine production operation. Dent’s bond, Crall said, was significantly lower because the extent in which she was involved with the production of the drug was unknown at the time of her arrest.
“We’re still looking to see how involved she was in the case. We’re always looking for more information,” Crall said.
The August arraignments included 20 new cases — more than half, 11, were drug-related. Still, Crall said the county’s drug problems were improving.
“We’re seeing progress with heroin,” he said. “We’re starting to see a decline in that area.
“We may start seeing a few more drugs, as in pills. That’s just a symptom you see when there’s less heroin available.”
