Butler County deputies have put a Fairfield man front and center in this week’s "Warrant Wednesday" spotlight, saying he is wanted on several drug-related warrants. The sheriff’s office identified 47-year-old Richard Thomas Ferraro, listed a last-known Fairfield address and a physical description, and urged anyone who spots him to call 9-1-1 or contact the Warrants Division immediately.
What the sheriff’s post says
In its weekly bulletin, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office names Ferraro and says he faces two counts of drug possession, a trafficking charge classified as a felony of the fifth degree, and an aggravated-possession charge. The post lists his age, date of birth, and a physical description. Deputies say he is about 5'8" and 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
The bulletin asks anyone who recognizes Ferraro or knows where he might be to call Warrants Deputy Stewart at 513-785-1278 or 9-1-1, according to Facebook.
Charges and what they mean
Under Ohio law, a felony of the fifth degree carries a possible prison term of six to 12 months and a maximum fine of $2,500. Penalties can increase if a person has prior convictions or if prosecutors bring higher-level felony charges.
Trafficking and aggravated-possession allegations can be charged at different levels depending on what drug is involved and how much of it is seized, and judges have some discretion within the ranges set by state law. The sentencing table that lays out those ranges for different felony levels is summarized by the Ohio Attorney General.
How to report tips
Deputies say that if you see Ferraro, you should not approach him. Instead, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For non-emergency tips or anonymous information, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office accepts online submissions and SMS tips. Residents can text the keyword "COPS" to 274637, and the BURN Task Force tip line is available at (513) 887-3029. The agency’s website also lists non-emergency and dispatch numbers and provides an online anonymous tip form for more detailed information, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Office.
Warrant Wednesday and the local push
Butler County’s "Warrant Wednesday" posts are part of a standing social media effort to pull the public into the hunt for people with active warrants and to move investigations along a little faster. The sheriff’s office uses the weekly feature to share photos and contact numbers and to ask residents for leads. That weekly warrant blitz is described by the sheriff’s office and local partners as a way to generate tips from neighbors while keeping the community in the loop.
All charges are allegations, and Ferraro is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty in court. This story will be updated if the sheriff’s office or court records provide new information.
