ELYRIA, Ohio — Elyria police arrested Jacob Chapman and Atara Hughes, both 34, following an investigation that connected them to a theft case and drug possession.
Police say an officer was patrolling near the Sprucewood Inn on Lorain Boulevard around 9:09 p.m. Thursday when the officer observed a man and woman in the parking lot carrying bags and a plastic container. The pair were identified as Chapman and Hughes, who both had active arrest warrants.
During the arrest, officers seized approximately one gram of fentanyl, which tested positive during a field test. Police also recovered 23 boxes of assorted sports trading cards valued at $1,165.97, along with $214 in cash and Chapman’s cellphone.
Investigators said messages found on Chapman’s phone indicated he was attempting to sell the sports cards at a discounted price. Authorities believe the cash recovered may have been obtained through the sale of stolen merchandise.
Police later confirmed the sports cards were linked to a theft reported in Parma, connecting both suspects to the ongoing investigation.
Chapman faces the following charges:
Contempt of Court (Lorain County Sheriff’s Office)
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) – Fourth-degree felony
Drug Abuse Instruments – First-degree misdemeanor
Hughes faces charges including:
Felony Theft Warrant (Parma)
Probation Violation with Full Extradition (Cuyahoga County)
Both suspects are scheduled to appear in court to address the charges.
