Fairfield County Authorities Make 7 Arrests In Alleged Drug Ring

LANCASTER, Ohio—Authorities arrested the leader of an alleged prescription-drug ring and six other suspected ring members last week.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

The Fairfield County sheriff’s office and the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy are handling the eight-month investigation.

Members allegedly traveled from the Lancaster area to Hollywood, Fla., where doctors at a pain clinic signed off on prescriptions. After arriving back in Fairfield County, the individuals filled the prescriptions and sold the drugs throughout the area, authorities said.

Lancaster police arrested the group’s alleged ring leader, 43-year-old Donald E. Fox, Wednesday night.

Six more suspects, including 37-year-old Deborah Tipple of Lancaster and 42-year-old Angela M. Lane of Junction City were arrested between Thursday and Friday.

Authorities did not release the names of the other arrested suspects.

Fox was taken to the Fairfield County jail on a $100,000 bond and $5,000 recognizance.

Fox was scheduled to appear in court Friday, June 26, for a preliminary hearing.

His charges include seven counts of deception to obtain dangerous drugs and four counts of aggravated drug trafficking.

Authorities continued to search for other alleged ring members.

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