LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Lt. Nick DeRose

  • Clermont authorities report increase in meth, cocaine and LSD after spring slowdown

    Clermont authorities report increase in meth, cocaine and LSD after spring slowdown

    Lt. Nick DeRose noted that the county also has experienced a rise in cocaine traffic – almost all laced with fentanyl – and LSD in recent weeks.

    Batavia, Ohio – Clermont County law enforcement and treatment specialists are noticing an uptick in methamphetamine (or meth) after a slowdown during the spring shutdown of the economy.

    The Clermont County Opiate Task Force touched base on drug and alcohol trends in the era of COVID-19 in an Aug. 13 meeting.

    For Help 24/7 Call: 528-SAVE (7283)

    Sheriff’s Office Lt. Nick DeRose, commander of the Clermont County Narcotics Task Force, said both volume and prices of meth have increased substantially in July and August. He noted that the county also has experienced a rise in cocaine traffic – almost all laced with fentanyl – and LSD in recent weeks.

    Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), also known colloquially as acid, is a hallucinogenic drug. Effects typically include altered thoughts, feelings, and awareness of one’s surroundings. Many users see or hear things that do not exist. Dilated pupils, increased blood pressure, and increased body temperature are typical, according to a news release issued by the County.

    “COVID slowed things down, but come June there was a major increase – mainly a mixture of meth with fentanyl,” said Lt. Matt Green of the Union Township Police Department. “Some are doing meth and cocaine and not knowing they’ve been laced with fentanyl.”

    The department has handled 40 overdoses in the past two months, Green said.

    The report also noted that people who use meth experience a roller coaster of emotions, members of the task force reported. Many meth users are fidgety with nervous energy. They often experience psychosis, with symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, talking incoherently, and agitation. The person with the condition usually isn’t aware of his or her behavior.

    Dr. Shawn Ryan of BrightView said meth causes the body to produce an amount of brain hormones “off the chart.” He added that it’s difficult to normalize the hormones as part of a treatment plan.

    Jamie Lutson of Clermont County Municipal Court Probation said she had noticed a big increase in females addicted to meth. “Some say they are using the drug to stay awake so they can work and take care of their children.”

    Lutson added that alcoholic relapses occurred more frequently as treatment programs “came to a screeching halt.”

    Lee Ann Watson, associate director of the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board and co-chair of the Opiate Task Force, said the group will use the input to help target efforts to address the situation.

  • Visitation and funeral arrangements have been set for Clermont County Detective Bill Brewer

    Visitation and funeral arrangements have been set for Clermont County Detective Bill Brewer

    In honor of the life and service of Clermont County Detective Bill Brewer, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that all U.S. and Ohio flags at public buildings and grounds in Clermont County and at the Ohio Statehouse be flown at half-staff.

    Detective Brewer was killed in the line of duty this weekend during a standoff in Pierce Township at the Royal Oaks Apartments. Detective Brewer and Lt. Nick DeRose were shot by a male who had barricaded himself in his apartment and was threatening to kill himself. Detective Brewer, a 20-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital, where he later died as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained.

    Brewer leaves behind a wife and 5-year-old son.

    Lt. Nick DeRose, a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and was later released.

    DeWine’s order is effective now until sunset on the date of Officer Brewer’s interment.

    The visitation and funeral arrangements have been set for Brewer. According to EC Nurre Funeral home visitation will be 4 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, February 7th at Mt. Carmel Christian Church on Bach-Buxton Road. The funeral is scheduled for 11 AM on Friday February 8th 2019 at the same location.

    Obituary for William Lee Brewer Jr.

    William Lee Brewer Jr., 42, of Pierce Township, passed away in the line of duty on Saturday, February 2, 2019. He was born January 14, 1977 in Cincinnati, son of William Sr. and Angie Brewer. He was married to Jamie Hensley Brewer for 13 years, who survives.

    Bill was a 20-year veteran with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office. He’s a 1996 graduate of Williamsburg High School where he was in the sports Hall of Fame.  Bill was also an avid UC Bearcat Fan.

    In addition to his loving wife and parents, he is survived by his beloved son, Braxton Brewer; brother, Michael Brewer; parents-in-law, James and Mary Noll and several nieces and nephews.

    Family and friends are invited to a public visitation from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Mt. Carmel Christian Church, 4110 Bach Buxton Rd, Batavia, OH 45103 under the direction of E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in Amelia.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday at the Church. Interment will follow at Pierce Township Cemetery.  Procession details will be released at a later time.