NEWS

Suspect arrested after drug raid pleads not guilty

Staff Report

ZANESVILLE – A 34-year-old man arrested and indicted following a mid-July drug raid has pleaded not guilty.

Matthew R. Smith appeared for arraignment in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday with his attorney Ben Whitacre.

Smith pleaded not guilty to two counts of trafficking in drugs (methamphetamine,) a third and fourth-degree felony, and a misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia charge.

City and county authorities uncovered methamphetamine, cash and a vehicle during the July 15 raid, according to the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.

Smith faces up to four and a half years in prison if convicted.