BARNESVILLE — Three people were placed behind bars in Belmont County last week after illegal drugs and guns reportedly were found during the search of a Barnesville home on Wednesday.

On Friday morning, Sheriff David Lucas announced that Dajuan “Ox” Fields, 39, of Cleveland was lodged in the jail facing eight charges. Also arrested on active warrants were Rebecca Kenney, 42, of Bellaire and Stephan Cleveland, 26, of Cleveland, but Lucas focused his remarks on Fields.

“This person is a high player, and my Criminal Interdiction Unit had been involved in this and has done a terrific job,” Lucas said. ” … Because this was a high-risk situation, our Special Operations Branch was activated, and they’re the ones that … took down the house on the warrant and took him into custody, and then we went from there.”

He pointed out that the Special Operations Branch is a multijurisdictional unit that combines the efforts of officers from Bellaire, Powhatan Point, St. Clairsville, Barnesville and the sheriff’s department. Its members receive special training on how to handle risky situations.

“And this is just another case of nothing but good police work from the other agencies and us working together and taking this individual off the street. …

“This is a very serious arrest, and we are very happy that this guy is off the street in Belmont County.”

According to Lucas, Fields was found to be in possession of over 200 grams of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of cocaine. Investigators also reportedly recovered two firearms, one of which had been reported stolen.

Fields was booked into the jail on charges of possession and trafficking of drugs, having weapons under disability and receiving stolen property.

Children Services was contacted as well, since multiple juveniles were found in the home.

“There was children in the residence … which is a priority for us. … I mean it’s just sad. It’s one thing these individuals go out and deal drugs …

“If you’re in Belmont County and you’re doing drugs, I will promise you, sooner or later, we’re going to get you, and we’re going to take you down,” Lucas continued. “And my slogan has always been: If you’re a drug dealer, pack your bags and get out of Belmont County.

“But, the sad thing is they have these kids in the house around all these drugs. And we wonder why we have problems and why we have overdoses and why we have deaths of kids.”

Information about the case has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review and possible additional charges.