Athens County Deputies Investigate Scam Complaint, Assault Allegation and Property Damage Reports

ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to 15 incidents Monday, including reports involving an alleged scam, an assault complaint, property damage, welfare checks, and multiple disputes, according to the department’s daily media log.

Deputies began the day shortly after 5 a.m., assisting the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office with an attempt to locate an individual at a residence on Spring Valley Drive in Albany. Deputies determined the location was not associated with the person being sought, and no further action was taken.

Around 8:38 a.m., deputies conducted a welfare check on Lafollette Road in Millfield. The individual deputies were checking on was located and determined to be okay.

At approximately 8:47 a.m., deputies responded to U.S. Route 33 near Carr Road in Nelsonville regarding a verbal dispute. Deputies spoke with a woman who said she had been involved in an argument with her sister and had been left along the roadway. The woman declined medical assistance and said she did not want to pursue charges. Deputies provided transportation to a family member’s residence in The Plains.

Later that morning, deputies responded to Radford Road in Athens for a welfare check after a report of a man walking along the roadway holding his chest. Deputies located the man, identified as Barry McVey, 46, of Athens, who said he was tired from walking. Deputies discovered McVey had active warrants out of Athens County and arrested him. He was transported for court proceedings before being taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

Deputies also responded to a 911 hang-up call on Pleasant Hill Road in Athens. No emergency was found, and officials determined the call was related to phone issues after the homeowner said the residence no longer had a landline.

Around 10:46 a.m., deputies investigated an unusual incident on Brimstone Road in Coolville after a resident reported someone had placed hot dogs on sticks in their yard and later placed condoms on the hot dogs. A report was taken, and the investigation remains pending.

At approximately 11:37 a.m., deputies responded to Jackson Avenue in Coolville regarding an assault complaint involving a utility worker. The worker told deputies that a dispute had occurred between him and a property owner while he was working at a residence. The worker alleged he was pushed by the property owner and forced to leave. A report was filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Deputies later responded to a verbal dispute on State Route 682 in Athens. Both parties told deputies the incident remained verbal, no physical altercation occurred, and no threats were made. The individuals agreed to separate for the remainder of the day.

Around 1:04 p.m., deputies investigated a possible scam complaint on Louise Lane in Athens. The resident reported that individuals arrived at the home and performed driveway work without authorization. The resident said no agreement had been made before the work was completed, but payment was demanded afterward, and money was paid. The incident remains under investigation.

Deputies also took a report regarding the purchase of a tiny home on Pete Smith Road in Athens.

At approximately 5:26 p.m., deputies responded to Main Street in Chauncey regarding a reported rolling domestic violence incident. Deputies worked with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who handled the road rage investigation. Authorities determined the incident was not a domestic violence case, though the investigation remains ongoing pending review of surveillance footage.

Deputies responded to a neighbor dispute on Front Street in Glouster later that evening. Contact was made with one party, but deputies were unable to reach the other involved person.

Around 6:12 p.m., deputies responded to Hooper Ridge Road in Millfield regarding property damage. Investigators determined a bullet had struck and broken a window at a residence.

Later that night, deputies responded to State Route 56 in New Marshfield after receiving a report of a person walking with a gun in their hand. Deputies contacted the individual and determined the person was only carrying a cellphone.

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office said investigations remain ongoing in several of the reported incidents.