A Chillicothe man is facing multiple felony charges in Ross County Common Pleas Court following a recent indictment tied to alleged drug trafficking, drug possession, and weapons offenses.
According to Ross County court records, Jayzel L. Howard, of Arch Street in Chillicothe, was indicted under case number 26CR000225.
The indictment includes several serious felony charges, including:
- Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, a first-degree felony
- Possession, including aggravated possession of drugs, listed as first- and second-degree felonies
- Possession of Cocaine, a first-degree felony
- Having Weapons While Under Disability, a third-degree felony
Court records indicate the case was officially filed on May 22, 2026, and is currently assigned to Judge Matthew S. Schmidt.
Docket entries show the indictment and notice of disability were filed on March 21, 2025. Multiple attempts were reportedly made by the Ross County Sheriff’s Office to serve Howard with the summons. Court documents state one service return indicated he “does not live there,” while another noted “negative contact” after three attempts.
The prosecution later requested a warrant upon indictment, according to the docket.
As of Friday morning, the case remains open in Ross County Common Pleas Court.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
