News Release 09/22/2026
(9-22-26) Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced the arrest of a local man on drug charges. Sheriff Riggenbach said Joseph Mohr (50) of Ohio City, was arrested for Possession of Cocaine, a Felony of the first degree.
Sheriff Riggenbach stated that the arrest followed the execution of a search warrant. The warrant was obtained by agents from the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force and the FBI Northwest Ohio Safe Streets Task Force and was executed at 510 ยฝ West Jefferson St. in Ohio City on Tuesday, September 22nd. Sheriff Riggenbach advised that 2 people were on the property when the warrant was executed. Officers identified both individuals, and one was released.
As a result of the search warrant, the following items were seized for evidentiary purposes:
- A moderate amount of suspected Cocaine.
- Cash
Sheriff Riggenbach said Mohr was taken to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending an arraignment hearing in Van Wert Municipal Court on Thursday, September 24th.
Sheriff Riggenbach stated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may be filed. Sheriff Riggenbach asked anyone with information about drug activity to contact the Van Wert County Sheriffโs Office. Citizens with information can submit information through the Van Wert County Sheriffโs Office app, call 419-238-3866, or use the Van Wert County Sheriffโs Office website at https://www.vanwertcountyohio.gov/government/sheriff/index.php and click the โSubmit a Crime Tipโ link. Anyone reporting information can remain anonymous. Sheriff Riggenbach stated that his office will continue to aggressively pursue all drug tips it receives.
Citizens can also report information about other crimes by using the above options or by texting or calling Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419-238-STOP. Citizens can remain anonymous when contacting Crime Stoppers. Sheriff Riggenbach asks citizens to provide as much detail as possible when reporting information, especially when choosing to remain anonymous.
The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force and the FBI NW Ohio Safe Streets Task Force operate across a multi-county area to combat drugs and major crimes. The Allen County Sheriffโs Office SWAT team and Van Wert Police Department assisted with the search warrant.
