Five arrested after drugs, guns, explosive device found - Point Pleasant Register

ASHTON — Five people have been arrested by the Mason County Sheriff's Department after a seizure of drugs and guns at an Ashton residence, which also contained an explosive device.

Sheriff Greg Powers reports four males and one female have been arrested after an investigation which began with a complaint about cars blocking Keister Rd. in Southern Mason County. Cpt. Terry from the sheriff's department arrived to investigate this complaint which led to not only five arrests and the removal of a 20-month old infant from a residence on Keister Rd., but the discovery of a "destructive device."

Arrested were Matthew Gibson, 24, Ashton; Krista Aeiker, age unreported, Ashton; Joshua Smith, 23, Ashton; John Cornell, 22, Apple Grove; Michael Mayes, 47, Ashton. The Mason County Sheriff's Department was still working on processing this case at press time but charges being filed include possession of a controlled substance with a firearm and child abuse.

In addition, the West Virginia State Police's Bomb Squad was called to disarm the explosive device in the residence which Powers said appeared to be set as a type of booby trap which acted as a homemade security device. The device was removed and disarmed with one of the male subjects facing the charge of possession of destructive device.

Initial reports were that deputies found an active meth lab at the residence which Powers said was not true. As for what types of drugs were found, more information on that, as well as information on the guns and explosive device, should be available Monday as the situation was still under investigation and unfolding for most of the day Saturday. The suspects have been transported to the Western Regional Jail.

In addition to Cpt. Terry, on the scene from the sheriff's department were Sgt. Varian, Cpl. Powell, Chief Deputy Downing and Powers. Also, the Valley Fire Department assisted in helping direct traffic.

Powers is well aware there is a drug problem in Mason County and as he said on Saturday, the sheriff's department is there to do its part to remedy that situation but that can't be done without the help of residents reporting suspicious activity, like the type reported on Saturday.

More on this story in Tuesday's print edition of the Point Pleasant Register and as it becomes available at www.mydailyregister.com.