Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office Uses Seized Drug Assets to Support Student Drug Prevention
ZANESVILLE, OHIO – Money and property seized during drug investigations and prosecutions are being put to work supporting local students.
The Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office has contributed $4,000 to Mid-East Career and Technology Centers' Drug Free ME program, which encourages students to remain drug-free and make responsible decisions.
The contribution is funded through proceeds from cash and property forfeited as a result of drug-related investigations and prosecutions, allowing resources recovered through drug enforcement to be directed toward preventing future substance abuse.
“Using money taken from drug dealers to give our kids a better future is one of the most satisfying parts of our work,” said Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch. “And we're doing it without asking law-abiding taxpayers to pay for it.”
On October 8, Welch presented the $4,000 check to Mid-East Assistant Superintendent and Drug Free ME Co-Advisor Clint Rhodes.
Drug Free ME is a voluntary program that encourages students to maintain drug-free lifestyles through confidential drug testing and positive incentives. Rather than focusing solely on the consequences of drug use, the program recognizes and rewards students who make healthy choices.
The program has experienced substantial growth over the past two years, reflecting increased student participation and a growing commitment to substance use prevention.
Turning Drug Enforcement into Drug Prevention
The Prosecutor's Office works with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute drug-related crimes. Cash and property forfeited through those efforts can provide resources to support community programs, including drug education and prevention.
The $4,000 contribution to Drug Free ME is an example of how proceeds from drug enforcement can be redirected toward helping young people avoid substance use.
While holding drug traffickers accountable remains an important responsibility, preventing young people from becoming involved with drugs is another essential part of protecting the community.
Programs like Drug Free ME encourage responsible decisions and provide positive reinforcement to students at a time when those decisions can have a lasting impact on their futures.
The Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office recognizes Mid-East CTC, its educators, and participating students for their commitment to promoting drug-free lifestyles.
The contribution reflects the office's continuing commitment to using resources recovered through drug enforcement to support education, prevention, and safer communities.
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