Drug task force searches Greenford farmhouse

GREENFORD — A search warrant was used Tuesday to enter the farmhouse where imprisoned ex-congressman James A. Traficant Jr. once lived and the current renter was arrested. The search for guns and drugs at 6908 W. South Range Road turned up three firearms, including an assault rifle, said Bob Balzano, resident agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Boardman office. No drugs were found. The renter, Jason D. Mullins, 23, was arrested after a traffic stop near the house and taken to the Columbiana County jail, Balzano said. The DEA got involved to assist in an investigation by the Columbiana County Drug Task Force, the agent said. Traficant, 66, of Poland was convicted of racketeering, bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion in 2002 and is serving an eight prison term at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minn. His projected release is Sept. 2, 2009. The property on West South Range Road is owned by his daughter.