Two Arrested After U-Haul Stop Leads to Drug Charges and Felony Warrants in Athens, OH

Deputies located a suspect with outstanding felony warrants allegedly hiding inside a U-Haul truck, leading to additional drug-related charges.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine crystals, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or written elements.The discovery of suspected methamphetamine during a vehicle search highlights the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes in Athens, Ohio.Athens Today

Two individuals were taken into custody in Athens, Ohio after deputies located a suspect with outstanding felony warrants allegedly hiding inside a U-Haul truck. The incident led to additional drug-related charges for the driver of the vehicle.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in Athens to apprehend wanted individuals and address drug-related crimes in the community. The use of K9 units and collaboration between agencies helps to keep the public safe.

The details

According to the Athens County Sheriff's Office, the incident unfolded when Athens Police Officer Tucker Johnson received information about a wanted subject reportedly traveling in a U-Haul. Deputies made contact with the vehicle and identified the driver as Kevin Sheffer, 29. Authorities said Sheffer allegedly provided misleading information about the subject's whereabouts and denied knowledge of her location, despite reportedly being observed loading the truck at her residence. Deputies then noticed movement inside the vehicle and, upon further investigation, allegedly located Kendra Guess, 39, concealed within the U-Haul. Guess was taken into custody without incident. Officials said Sheffer was detained and allegedly admitted to possessing narcotics during a pat-down and consent search. A K9 unit conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle, which reportedly indicated the presence of drugs. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Kevin Sheffer

A 29-year-old individual who was the driver of the U-Haul truck and was taken into custody.

Kendra Guess

A 39-year-old individual who was allegedly concealed within the U-Haul truck and taken into custody.

Tucker Johnson

An Athens Police Officer who received information about a wanted subject reportedly traveling in a U-Haul.

Rodney Smith

The Athens County Sheriff who stated that deputies remain committed to working with law enforcement partners to locate individuals attempting to evade arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Deputies remain committed to working with law enforcement partners to locate individuals attempting to evade arrest.”

— Rodney Smith, Athens County Sheriff

What’s next

The suspected narcotics will be analyzed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and additional charges may be presented to a grand jury. Sheffer was taken into custody by the Adult Parole Authority for an alleged supervision violation, and additional charges, including obstructing official business, are under review.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in Athens to apprehend wanted individuals and address drug-related crimes in the community. The collaboration between agencies and the use of K9 units help to keep the public safe and hold offenders accountable.