PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Scioto County deputies seized methamphetamine, crack cocaine and fentanyl during a traffic stop on US 52, leading to the arrest of a Kentucky man and a Portsmouth woman on multiple felony drug charges.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of Corey D. Bertram, 31, of Garrison, Kentucky, and Sara M. Lansing, 29, of Summit Street in Portsmouth. Deputies made the stop shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, near Cole Avenue in the City of Portsmouth.
Deputy Chase Johnson initiated the traffic stop on a black Chevrolet traveling westbound after records showed the registered owner had outstanding arrest warrants. The registered owner was not in the vehicle. During contact with the occupants, deputies learned the male passenger, Bertram, had an active warrant from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
A search of the vehicle incident to Bertram’s arrest uncovered a plastic bag on the passenger side containing a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine. The female driver, Lansing, was detained by Deputy Ratcliff. Before being informed of the discovery, she made an unsolicited statement denying ownership of the items, according to the sheriff’s release.
Both individuals were advised of their Miranda rights. While Lansing was temporarily secured in the rear of a patrol cruiser, deputies located a silver container in the cruiser containing multiple small baggies of a white powdery substance. After she was removed from the cruiser, Deputy Carver conducted a search of her person.
Bertram later took responsibility for the narcotics found in the vehicle. He told deputies he had purchased a half-pound of methamphetamine and directed them to a black box in the back seat. That box contained suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl, commonly known on the street as “Slow.” Deputies also seized $1,264 in cash from Lansing, which authorities believe is proceeds from drug trafficking.
The total weight of the narcotics recovered was 238 grams, with an estimated street value of approximately $9,000.
Bertram faces charges of aggravated possession of drugs (first-degree felony), aggravated trafficking in drugs (first-degree felony), and a second count of aggravated possession of drugs (fifth-degree felony).
Lansing faces charges of aggravated trafficking in drugs (first-degree felony) and tampering with evidence (third-degree felony).
Both appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court for arraignment on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat drug activity in the area. “The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office continues its work to keep our communities safe,” Thoroughman stated in the release.
Anyone with information about drug activity is encouraged to contact the Task Force tip line at (740) 354-5656 or email drugs@sciotocountysheriff.com. Tips can remain confidential and anonymous.
