COLUMBUS MAN SENTENCED FOR DELIVERY OF FENTANYL IN LOGAN COUNTY, WV

LOGAN, W.Va. –Ricky Jason Darthard, 44, of Columbus, Ohio was sentenced today to not less than 6 nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility for Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance Second or Subsequent Offense- Fentanyl. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 12th, 2024, Corporal T.J Hannon utilized a cooperating individual to complete a controlled purchase from Ricky Darthard and Thomas Paige in Cora, WV. The purchase was audio/video recorded and suspected fentanyl was purchased. During the purchase, Paige accepted US currency and obtained the fentanyl from Darthard and delivered the fentanyl to the cooperating individual. The purchased substances were sent to the WVSP forensic laboratory and were confirmed to be fentanyl.

A search of Mr. Darthard’s criminal history revealed multiple convictions in both West Virginia and Ohio, including, at least, one prior conviction for drug trafficking in Ohio. Additionally, Mr. Darthard is currently wanted in two separate jurisdictions in the State of Ohio for drug-related crimes for which he will face prosecution following the disposition of the sentence imposed as a result of the Logan County, WV investigation.

The Logan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office commends the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police, the U.S. 119 Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force, and the DEA.

Judge Codispoti imposed the sentence. Prosecutor David Wandling prosecuted the case.