The Messenger

08/23/2025

United States Marshals Service and Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force Conduct Multi-County Operation; Four Arrested

Writer: Scioto County Sheriff's Office
Scioto County Sheriff's Office
August 22nd, 2025
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Portsmouth, Ohio – On August 21, 2025, the United States Marshals Service, working in partnership with the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force (SOOMCTF), conducted a coordinated operation spanning Scioto County, Ohio; Adams County, Ohio; and Greenup County, Kentucky.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals — three on secret indictments and one on a parole violation.

Arrested were:
Patricia Hill, 38, of 2923 North Hill Road, Portsmouth, Ohio
Robert Roe, 42, of 1150 Waycross Road, Cincinnati, Ohio
Rodney Kent, 42, of 9398 Gallia Pike Road, Wheelersburg, Ohio
Michael Scott, 58, of Adams County, Ohio

Hill, Roe, and Kent face a combined total of 16 first-degree felony charges, 18 second-degree felony charges, and 15 third-degree felony charges, primarily related to drug trafficking and possession offenses.

Scott was arrested on a parole violation for Absconded Supervision, stemming from his original conviction for Attempted Murder.

Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force Statement: “This joint effort underscores the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies. We especially want to thank Greenup County Sheriff Matt Smith and Adams County Sheriff Kenny Dick for their assistance during this operation. Their support was critical to ensuring its success and making our communities safer.”

The Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force is made up of investigators from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Portsmouth Police Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Boston Police Department, along with the Scioto County and Pike County Prosecutor’s Offices The task force operates under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, which is overseen by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

For media inquiries, please contact:
740-354-7566

08/23/2025

Mark Allen Rideout, 51, of Manchester, passed away suddenly Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at his residence. He was born August 17, 1974 in West Union, son of Austin and Joyce Staten Rideout of Stout. He was the widower of the late Kera Wagster.

Mark was a standout basketball player in high school and carried that same dedication and spirit into every part of his life. He was a skilled workman who could tackle any project around the house, always willing to lend a hand where it was needed. Known for his kind heart, Mark found joy in helping others and touched the lives of many through his generosity and care.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his children, Harley, Taylor, Hayden and Aiden Rideout; brother, Greg (Kristina) Rideout and his sister, Elizabeth (Robert) Bradford.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 11:00 AM, until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Wilson Funeral Home, 35 W. Second St., Manchester. Pastor Owen Applegate will officiate. Burial will follow at Manchester Cemetery.

08/23/2025

Wi******er Homecoming Festival’s new queen and her court.

Photo: Wi******er Homecoming Festival

08/23/2025

Scioto County Commissioner and His Wife Indicted in Alleged Kickback Scheme Involving Southern Ohio Port
Authority

For Immediate Release from Ohio Auditor of State
Friday, August 22, 2025

- The Scioto County Grand Jury handed down indictments Friday against a Scioto County Commissioner and his wife as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged bribes and public contracts involving the Southern Ohio Port Authority and a Portsmouth-area business park, Auditor of State Keith Faber announced.
Bryan Davis faces 13 felony counts, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity; theft in office; money laundering; aggravated theft; tampering with evidence; attempted tampering with evidence; receiving stolen property; forgery; obstructing justice; tampering with records; and filing incomplete, false, and fraudulent returns.
Lorinda Sue Davis faces 10 felony counts, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity; money laundering; tampering with evidence; attempted tampering with evidence; receiving stolen property; forgery; obstructing justice; tampering with records; and filing incomplete, false, and fraudulent returns.

08/20/2025

08/20/2025

08/20/2025

🚨Be on the Lookout🚨
Public Assistance Requested from the Wilmington Police Department ‼️

The female in the photograph is identified as Marina Lynch. Marina was reported missing on August 17th. The person that reported her missing stated she has not seen in a couple months and that's is unusual. Marina has a Cuba Rd address but is known to be in Wilmington. Marina is a 27 year old female. 5ft 8inches and approximately 180 pounds.

Marina is entered in to LEADS as missing. If you have any information or know of the whereabouts of Marina please contact Detective Hamilton at 937-382-3833.

08/20/2025

Burglary Arrest

On Monday, August 11, 2025, the Waverly Police Department responded to a report of a burglary at Whitt’s Frozen Custard, which occurred during the late evening hours of the previous night.

Upon arrival, officers determined that the business had been forcibly entered. A safe containing money was stolen, and multiple electronic devices within the business had been damaged.

Through a thorough investigation, Sergeant Hopkins was able to identify and locate a suspect. As a result, Maggy Cook was arrested in connection with the burglary. Sergeant Hopkins successfully recovered the stolen safe, along with the stolen money. The safe had been forcibly opened prior to recovery.

Cook is currently facing charges related to the burglary, theft, and property damage. The case will be forwarded to the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office for review of formal charges.

08/19/2025

Today

08/19/2025

SCIOTO COUNTY: U.S. 23 | U.S. Grant Bridge Annual Inspection

Tuesday, August 26, the Southbound Lane on the U.S. Grant Bridge will be CLOSED from 8 AM - 3 PM.

All SB traffic will be detoured via S.R. 73 to S.R. 852 to the Carl D. Perkins Bridge.

For updates: https://ohgo.com/sw-ohio?lt=38.731549466887074&ln=-83.00052270202637&z=15&ls=incident,construction,construction-future&id=construction-WZ000014454_20365

08/19/2025

Congratulations to the WUHS Girls Golf Team for winning today against Manchester at hilltop Golf Course! WUHS Senior, Nina McCann, was medalist with a 44!
📷 West Union High School