Mendoza was released from Clark County Jail after posting a $15,000 bond, the sheriff said.
The sheriff’s office worked with the state attorney general’s office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations to make the bust.
“Working with BCI and the attorney general’s office, they have the resources and the funds,” said Kelly. “You have to have buy money, you have to have the resources.”
At 3:27 p.m. Friday, authorities simultaneously executed search warrants at the Mason Street address and 1308 N. Lowery Ave.
Authorities seized nearly $6,000 in cash, one-third of a kilo of cocaine, one pound of marijuana and two guns, said Kelly.
“This was a very large seizure,” he said. “One of the largest seizures that we’ve ever had of pure cocaine which could be and probably would be ‘cut’ as it’s called with the enhancing supplement (keratin).”
Forty-five sheets of counterfeit $10 and $20 bills were also confiscated, said Kelly.
“Most disturbing is the fact that we believe that they were counterfeiting United States currency and we are now working with the U.S. Secret Service on that,” he said.
A small child was also in the home and has been released to his mother, said Kelly.
Kelly encouraged residents to continue using anonymous tips to fight crime in the county, including the hot spot feature on the website at clarkcountysheriff.com.
The investigation findings will go to a Clark County Grand Jury and Mendoza could face additional charges for drug trafficking, abuse, weapons and counterfeiting, said Kelly.
Mendoza has a criminal history that includes a one-year prison sentence for robbery in Clark County.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0373 or mgildow@coxohio.com.
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