Couple faces numerous drug charges

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

A township couple faces drug charges after authorities said they found methamphetamine and materials used to make the drug in their home.

Sharry Smart, 32, and Thomas Smart, 39, are charged with felony drug abuse, illegal manufacturing/illegal cultivation of drugs and illegal assembly/possession/chemicals for manufacturing of drugs. Both were arraigned Wednesday in Mahoning County Area Court and had their bonds set at $100,000 cash or surety.

Their home, 1149 Ohltown Road, was raided by the Mahoning County Drug Task Force and agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation on Aug. 5. Two children in the home were turned over to the care of relatives.

Jeff Solic, commander of the task force, said the investigation was “probably over a year on and off — several months for sure.”

He said the raid last week found “methamphetamine-making materials and chemicals and methamphetamine finished product.”

Solic added police found out the couple was attempting to leave town before charges were pressed against them, so they were arrested Wednesday.