10/15/2025

ASHLAND – An Ashland Man to Stand Trial for Drug Trafficking. Joseph Childs, 42, an Ashland man, faces felony charges after a drug bust earlier this year led to his arrest. Childs is accused of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and maintaining a drug trafficking location. If convicted, Childs could face up to 28 years in prison. Law enforcement surveilled Childs’ apartment in Ashland for several months, suspecting it was used for illegal drug activities. On March 18, officers searched the apartment, finding drug paraphernalia in every room. In one bedroom, they discovered several baggies containing approximately 14 grams of a white powder, which tested positive for fentanyl, along with roughly four grams of suspected THC. Childs was arrested that day, along with several other individuals. Childs pleaded not guilty to both charges in August and recently declined a plea offer, opting instead for a trial. His court date is set for March 26.