A Zanesville couple was handed down substantial prison sentences for their involvement in a significant drug operation, according to reports by the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office. Codey Starkey, 39, and his partner Chiquita Rush, 37, faced the legal reckoning for trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, as well as weapons charges.
The investigation, which led to their arrest, started in early 2024 and involved undercover drug purchases. Search warrants executed at their home on Homewood Avenue uncovered a cache that included over 100 grams of fentanyl- some of which was found in the toilet and sink in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence- over 300 grams of methamphetamine, more than 500 grams of marijuana, and over 30 grams of psychedelic mushrooms. Law enforcement also seized firearms they were not legally permitted to possess, including an AK-47 and an AR-15. During the operation, the State confiscated a 2016 Nissan Maxima and a 2013 Ford F-150, and over $3,700 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of their illicit activities.
Starkey, now facing 20 to 25.5 years behind bars, and Rush, sentenced to 14 years, have prior criminal records that include a ban from gun ownership. Starkey's string of felony charges touched on his efforts to destroy evidence during the police's search of his residence. In the words of Assistant Prosecutor John Litle, "drug dealers harm the community in two major ways." "First, the drugs themselves hurt people and drive addicts away from normal productive society. Second, drug dealers deliberately create a culture of crime-tolerance, encouraging those who live with and around them to reject normal, decent society." According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office. This sentiment echoes the prosecutor's view on the broader social impact of drug trafficking beyond the immediate consequences of the trade.
These indictments signal a larger crackdown on drug trafficking within Muskingum County, with the prosecutors illustrating the severity with which they approach such cases. "This case shows our commitment to stopping drug networks that hurt our community,” Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch stated. Highlighting the comprehensive nature of these crimes, he continued, according to the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office, "Starkey and Rush sold dangerous drugs, illegally owned weapons, and tried to avoid punishment." The assets seized as part of the case will support future drug investigations and community programs, demonstrating an initiative to channel the repercussions of these crimes into proactive measures.
