NEWARK - Over a year after Licking County's new crime lab began churning results, county leaders say the lab is an 'asset' to the community.
In March 2019, the Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab began processing suspected drugs. A project in the works for months previously, Licking County officials hoped the lab would improve the turn-around time for results and save lives.
"It's been a great asset to be able to get a response back when we need them," Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force Commander Lt. Paul Cortright said. "In some cases, it's not necessary to have (the results) back right away, but when we do, to have that personal note to it...The fact we have our own lab right here where we can speak to (Lab Director Mark Hiatt) and find out maybe even that day what we're looking at, or getting a lead to be able to move forward with our investigation."
More: Licking County officials expect local drug lab to begin operating mid-March
Previously, Licking County law enforcement were forced to take their suspected drugs for testing at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's London facility, which is over an hour away. A lab in Licking County gives them a closer option, saving time and money.
"As far as our office is concerned it's incredibly better simply because we're dealing in our hometown with our own lab," Licking County Prosecutor Bill Hayes said. He explained when staff meets on Friday or Monday ahead of a grand jury session, they confirm whether they have test results back for cases they plan to present for indictment. If they have one missing, officials are able to contact Hiatt, who Hayes said typically can get them results the following day.
Another benefit to the prosecutor's office is the lab's proximity during trials. When Ohio's BCI tests suspected drugs for Licking County cases, Hayes said they have to subpoena state lab workers and bring them for trial. In Licking County's Common Pleas Court, several cases can be scheduled for trial at once because some cases may be continued or transition to another hearing.
"I can't even begin to imagine the kind of money we're saving just in the expense of serving subpoenas and getting these guys up here and the time they are out of their lab at BCI versus what we're doing with Mark up here," Hayes said. "That is a really big deal for us."
Also at the crime lab is Newark Police Criminalist Tim Elliget, who processes all of Newark's crime scenes. In the crime lab, Elliget does firearm testing and fingerprinting, among other tasks. According to Hayes, having both Elliget and Hiatt in one place is a great asset.
Reflecting over the past year, Cortright said additional manpower for the lab would be great.
"I don't know that we've had any real setbacks, it's just a matter of workload on a smaller unit. That's one of our major things we would hope to do something about in the future," Cortright said. "The caseload, which at the time, at the beginning of last year through last year was probably pretty aggressive for Mark and just getting started."
During an interview with The Advocate, Hiatt estimated the lab saw between 900 and 1,000 cases between April and December 2019. He added it tapered off in January and February.
"On the growth aspect, I'm overwhelmed with caseload," Hiatt said, gesturing toward a vault filled with over 400 pieces of evidence. Because of his caseload, Hiatt said prioritizes his work based on scheduled court dates and grand jury so he can also complete his other tasks, like managing his budget, doing intake and ordering supplies when needed.
Even in the middle of a pandemic, Cortright said although things have slowed down a bit with everyone taking precautions, CODE Task Force is still making cases and trying to take as many drugs off the street as they can. The caseload, he said, is still going in fairly regularly.
Looking toward the future, Cortright said Hiatt has been working to seek accreditation for the lab. He explained that would open opportunities for the lab in different areas and potentially make the lab available for state funding.
Hiatt said his goal is to receive accreditation by the end of the calendar year, which would open the lab up for grants. Then, he said, they could focus on Elliget's side of the lab. Longterm, Hiatt said they hope to increase staffing to meet the demand.
Accidental overdose deaths decrease in Licking County
Licking County saw a decrease in accidental overdose deaths in 2019, according to statistics provided by the Licking County Coroner's Office.
Of the 36 accidental drug deaths for last year, about two-thirds were a result of combined drug effects, the majority of which included fentanyl. The number was down from 42 accidental drug deaths the coroner's office reported in 2018.
One-fourth of the deaths were a result of crystal methamphetamine or methamphetamine overdose.
Two individuals died from alcohol overdose and two others died from chronic drug effects caused by norbuprenorphine and fluoxetine respectively.
The largest age group for the deaths were in their 30's, and men made up 20 of the deaths.
According to Cortright, CODE Task Force sees methamphetamine three times more than any other drugs. He noted opiates are still dangerous, but methamphetamine is the most prevalent drug they seek.
Cortright said cocaine was making a push toward the end of 2019 and beginning of this year and CODE Task Force has also had to deal with bootleg vape pens containing THC, a compound found in marijuana.
According to statistics provided by Cortright, methamphetamine possession and trafficking made up the most arrests the agency made in 2019. The number was followed by heroin possession and trafficking, then possession of prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, fentanyl, drug instruments, cocaine, and others.
Looking to the remainder of 2020, Cortright said during the pandemic, CODE Task Force has to be diligent and try to take precautions to keep their officers healthy and not expose them unnecessarily to larger groups.
Cortright said CODE officers are still doing interdiction and investigations, adding they're still responding to cases as normal.
"What I foresee, this year hopefully, we're going to be able to make some more impacts on major dealers in our community," Cortright said.
He encouraged anyone with tips to contact their tip line at 740-349-4TIP, adding that number does straight to the drug unit and is answered by investigators. If investigators are unable to answer, Cortright encouraged tipsters to leave a good callback number if they'd like to speak with an investigator.
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