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Hamilton police announce 'major drug bust' involving meth, cocaine, others

Posted at 1:14 PM, Sep 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-13 18:05:15-04

HAMILTON, Ohio -- The Hamilton Police Department announced a "major drug bust" Wednesday that resulted in the seizure of cocaine and meth, among other drugs.

Police arrested Jonathan Ingram, 55, on Monday and searched his house, his business and his girlfriend’s townhouse in Hamilton. Ingram faces federal charges, and officials transferred him to federal custody.

Chief Craig Bucheit described Ingram as a "major player" regarding Southwest Ohio drug suppliers.

“I can just tell you that he was a major player … and at the local level here in our community, it’s as big as it gets," Bucheit said. "This is a significant win for us and for the Hamilton community.”

Jonathan Ingram faces federal charges, and his girlfriend, Lauren Watts, also faces charges related to the investigation.

Ingram has a lengthy criminal history that includes violence and drug offenses, police said.

Police seized 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, $20,000 in cash and several guns including an AR-15, Bucheit said. 

Ingram’s charges are still pending, Bucheit said. Ingram’s girlfriend, Lauren Watts, also faces charges related to the investigation.

Police had been investigating for at least four months before any arrests were made.