A Clermont County man originally arrested on Saturday August 2, 2025, has now been indicted by the Clermont County Grand Jury on August 12, 2025, for the possession and distribution of approximately one pound of methamphetamine in Clermont County.

John Daryl Dempsey, age 48, has been indicted on the following charges:

(1) count of Aggravated Drug Trafficking (Methamphetamine), a Felony of the 1^st degree

(1) count of Aggravated Drug Possession (Methamphetamine), a Felony of the 1^st degree

(Major Drug Offender Specification)

On Saturday August 2, 2025, at 0513 hours, the Clermont County Communications Center dispatched a Road Patrol Deputy assigned to Batavia Township to McDonald’s located at 2001 Hospital Drive in Batavia Township for a motor vehicle crash (One vehicle into a light pole) which occurred in the parking lot. The responding Deputy arrived on scene at 0517 hours and made contact with the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, John Daryl Dempsey. The Deputy determined that Dempsey was responsible for the crash, had operated the vehicle without a valid driver’s license, and was operating the vehicle impaired. The Deputy on scene requested a tow for Dempsey’s vehicle and proceeded to perform an inventory search to document the contents of the vehicle. 

During the vehicle inventory search, approximately one pound of suspected crystal methamphetamine was located hidden beneath the rear passenger seat inside the vehicle. Due to the large amount of suspected methamphetamine recovered, the Clermont County Narcotics Unit (CCNU) responded to investigate and assist. 

Dempsey was ultimately transported to the Clermont County Jail and booked/charged with Aggravated Drug Trafficking and Aggravated Drug Possession on 8/2/2025. Dempsey was also cited for numerous traffic related offenses related to the crash including, Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol and/ or Drugs. 

The methamphetamine had a net weight of 436.7 grams (0.962 lbs.) which was confirmed by the Hamilton County Crime Lab.

The total street value of the seized methamphetamine is estimated at $9,000.00

John Daryl Dempsey remains in custody at the Clermont County Jail pending his next court appearance. 

Any additional inquiries related to this indictment should be directed to the Clermont County Prosecutors Office at 513-732-7313.

John Daryl Dempsey, age 48

Evidence recovered on 8/2/2025