MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Law enforcement officers from the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on January 24, 2024, in the 700 block of Silver Street, leading to a significant drug bust. The operation was part of a narcotics investigation conducted by the MARMET Drug Task Force Detectives.

The residence, located within 300 feet of Hayes Elementary School, was placed into lockdown as a precautionary measure during the search warrant execution. Three Marion City Police Department School Resource Officers were present at the scene.

As a result of the search warrant, approximately 67 grams of crack cocaine, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and cash were seized. Paul A. Courtney, born on January 4, 1991, from Columbus, Ohio, was arrested in connection with the incident. Courtney also had a felony escape warrant out of Franklin County. He was charged with possession of drugs (F1), weapons under disability, and the warrant out of Franklin County. Formal charges will be reviewed and submitted by Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan and his Office.

Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald commended the officers and deputies involved in the investigation. “Shutting down drug trafficking in our community is one of the most important goals of the Marion Police Department, especially so close to an elementary school in our community. I am proud of the excellent work of the officers and deputies involved in this investigation, as they have made Marion a safer place with their actions taken today,” said McDonald.

Sheriff Matt Bayles echoed these sentiments, stating, “Excellent job today by our deputies and officers on this drug arrest. We have a drug task force that is second to none. If you deal drugs in our community, you will get caught, you will get prosecuted and you will go to jail.”

The MARMET Drug Task Force is comprised of members from the Marion City Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. Marion County citizens are encouraged to call in crime tips involving criminal activity to 740-375-TIPS (8477) or submit them online. Tipsters may remain anonymous if they choose.