BELLAIRE, Ohio (AVC News) — Five people are facing potential drug-related charges following a search warrant executed Thursday in Bellaire, according to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
The Belmont County Sheriff’s Criminal Interdiction Unit and the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission conducted the search August 6 at an apartment on Hamilton Street in Bellaire.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives seized suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine from inside the apartment.
Five people were identified by investigators:
- Damon Pernick, 34, of Bridgeport
- Blake Yates, 38, of Bellaire
- Adam May, 36, of St. Clairsville
- Leahann Sullivan, 39, of St. Clairsville
- Eli Sullivan, 23, of St. Clairsville
The Sheriff’s Office says the charges requested at this time include trafficking in fentanyl, possession of fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, drug manufacturing, permitting drug abuse, criminal tools and drug abuse instruments.
In addition to the drug-related charges, Pernick was arrested on two outstanding warrants.
Sheriff James Zusack credited the Criminal Interdiction Unit for its continued efforts to prevent illegal narcotics from reaching Belmont County communities.
The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Bellaire Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Last Updated on August 10, 2026 by AVC News
