By Lauren Pack, The Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio
Jan. 12–HAMILTON — Owners of a Hamilton pawn shop have been arrested after sheriff’s deputies found drugs, guns and a police-issued bullet proof vest at the business and in their homes.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office Drug and Vice Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the Hamilton Police Department, executed a search warrant about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday at Midwest Trade Inc., 537 Knightsbridge Drive, where they seized drugs, vehicles and cash, authorities said.
According to the sheriff’s office, three-quarters of a kilogram of cocaine, two pounds of marijuana, two handguns, two vehicles — a Pontiac Trans Am and a Chevy Tahoe — and approximately $6,000 were found during the search of the business.
Co-owners of the business, Alan Hibbard, 28, of Liberty Twp., and Steve Sizemore, 32, of St. Clair Twp., were taken into custody and each charged with possession of cocaine, a first-degree felony.
Less than 30 minutes later, Sizemore’s residence at 67 Shawnee Drive was searched. Items found included marijuana, steroids, hypodermic needles and $300, according to deputies.
Hibbard’s residence at 5616 Ava Court was searched at about 7:10 p.m. Items found included a tactical shotgun, a police-issued bullet proof vest, steroids, hypodermic needles and approximately $2,200, officials said.
Detective Mike Hackney, unit supervisor, said the duo were dealing drugs out of their business, calling the suspects “middle-level dealers.” The powder cocaine, which was compressed in to a block, was found along with the marijuana in a back room of the store, he said.
“They were driving nice vehicles and had nice homes. I don’t think the pawn shop was supporting that,” he said.
Hibbard and Sizemore, who have been under surveillance by deputies for weeks, are “avid gym goers,” Hackney said, adding that the steroids found at their homes were likely for personal use.
The street value of the cocaine and marijuana recovered is estimated at $30,000. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.
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