Athens, OH – A 32-year-old man was arrested this week in Athens County after deputies say he allegedly took his grandmother’s vehicle and was later found with suspected narcotics inside.
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began October 29, 2025, when deputies responded to a report of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Investigators determined that the suspect, identified as Benjamin Mayles, had taken his grandmother’s car and failed to return it since October 25.
A “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) alert was issued, and deputies soon located the vehicle with the help of the ACSO K-9 Unit. The driver was identified as Mayles, who was detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
During the stop, deputies reportedly observed signs of drug use inside the car. K-9 Cody alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading to a search that uncovered suspected crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and various drug paraphernalia, according to Sheriff Rodney Smith.
Mayles was charged with felony Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. The suspected narcotics were collected for analysis by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab. Authorities said additional charges are expected pending lab results and grand jury review.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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