Hocking County, Ohio — Deputies from the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Columbus man during a traffic stop on U.S. Route 33 on Monday, July 20, 2026, after discovering multiple firearms — including two reported stolen — suspected methamphetamine and crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and more than $12,000 in cash.
According to a press release from the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initiated the stop for multiple traffic violations. The driver was identified as Michael Holbrook, 41, of Columbus. He was traveling with his girlfriend and two teenage children.
During contact with Holbrook, deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view, which provided probable cause for a search of the vehicle. The search yielded 10 firearms, two of which had been reported stolen, along with the suspected controlled substances, paraphernalia, cash, and additional evidence.
Holbrook, who is on parole, faces charges under the Ohio Revised Code:
• Having Weapons While Under Disability, a third-degree felony;
• Receiving Stolen Property, a fourth-degree felony;
• Trafficking in Drugs, a fourth-degree felony; and
• Endangering Children, a first-degree misdemeanor.
He was transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. At his initial appearance in Hocking County Municipal Court, Judge Frederick T. Moses set a $40,000 cash or surety bond. The investigation remains ongoing, and the case will be submitted to the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office for review and presentation to a Hocking County Grand Jury.
Sheriff Lanny E. North’s office emphasized the recovery of the stolen firearms and the presence of children in the vehicle as significant aspects of the case.
