CCSO: K-9 helps deputies uncover suspected drugs during traffic stop

WILMINGTON, Ohio — A Wilmington man was arrested June 9 after a traffic stop on U.S. 68 led to the discovery of suspected cocaine and marijuana, according to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Chris Kirk was conducting traffic enforcement on U.S. 68 North near I-71 when he observed a maroon Jeep traveling above the posted speed limit. Kirk initiated a traffic stop, and the driver was identified as Aaron M. Seese.

During the traffic stop, Deputy Sam Eastes and his K-9 partner, Legion, arrived at the scene. Legion conducted a free-air sniff around the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics in multiple areas of the vehicle.

Following Legion’s alert, a search of the vehicle uncovered what the sheriff’s office described as a significant quantity of suspected cocaine and marijuana. The substances will be submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for testing and confirmation.

Seese was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, a third-degree felony.

According to the sheriff’s office, Seese has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2002, including convictions for assault on a police officer, trafficking in drugs and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Seese is also a registered sex offender in Clinton County.

The case will be presented to Clinton County Prosecutor Brian Shidaker for review and possible additional charges after the investigation is complete and lab results are received.

Sheriff Doug Eastes praised the deputies involved in the case and said the county’s K-9 program is already having an impact.

“I am proud of the dedicated men and women at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office,” Eastes said. “The deputies involved in this case did an outstanding job. Our new K-9 program is already making a difference by helping remove dangerous drugs from our community and assisting in the apprehension of repeat, violent criminals.”

Eastes added, “I would also like to thank the citizens and supporters who helped make this K-9 program possible. Their investment in public safety is already paying dividends.”

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding criminal activity to contact the sheriff’s office at 937-382-1611 or submit a report through the agency’s website at clintonsheriff.com/crime-tipline/.

The agency is also accepting applications for deputy sheriff and corrections officer positions. Applications are available at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, 1645 Davids Drive, Wilmington or online at clintonsheriff.com/careers/.