3 Plead Not Guilty In Drug Trafficking Case

This afternoon Dr. Michael Smith of Smith veterinary services, his son, Eryn Smith and Travis Ryan went before Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill. The three men face over 40 drug related charges. Dr Smith alone is charged with 16 counts of trafficking in drugs and 19 counts of processing of drug documents. Felonies of the 2nd and 4th degree respectively.

Smith appeared with a court appointed attorney who entered not guilty pleas to his charges.

Dr. Smith then addressed the court in hopes of getting his bond reduced from $500-thousand. He stated time and time again that he is a respected veterinarian and is not a flight risk.

“I know it’s a large indictment, but it’s just not me. I’m a respected doctor in this community,” Dr. Smith said.
He then began going into specifics of his case and received multiple warnings from Judge Cottrill.

“Mr. Smith, I want to caution you that what you’re saying now is being recorded and can be used against you at a latter point in time,” Judge Cottrill said.

After more testimony from Dr. Smith, Judge Cottrill refused to reduce his bond.

Dr. Smith’s son, Eryn smith , plead not guilty to one count of trafficking in drugs and to one count of illegal processing of drug documents. Smith’s court appointed attorney Adam Grosshandler requested a reduction in a $75-thousand bond, but after some deliberation Judge Cottrill declined to lessen Smith’s bond as well.

Travis Ryan also appeared in court today to enter a not guilty plea to four drug related charges. His bond is set at $100-thousand. Ryan and his attorney plan to enter a written request for reduced bond.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a fourth suspect. His name has not been released. The charges in this case resulted from a two and half year investigation that included the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other agencies.