For Immediate Release

Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman reports search warrants executed and the arrest of four individuals.   On March 24, 2025 the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Mercer County Job and Family Services informing deputies of a court order for the removal of a 5 year old child.  Several attempts to locate the child were made by the Sheriff’s Office and Job and Family Services at the mother’s residence in Mendon.  On this date (March 27, 2025) deputies received information the child was currently at a residence at 5609 US Route 33 Mendon, Ohio, or could possibly be at the mother’s residence, located at 113 South Main Street in Mendon.   With this information, deputies applied and were granted search warrants for both locations by Mercer County Juvenile Court Judge Matthew Gilmore.

At 4:45 PM this date, Deputies executed both search warrants simultaneously.  The 5 year old child was located at 5609 US Route 33.  The child was transported to Mercer Health by squad and custody was turned over to Job and Family Services.

Deputies also observed suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view at 5609 US Route 33 location.  A second search warrant was applied and granted by Mercer County Juvenile Court Judge Matthew Gilmore.    The second search warrant was executed and suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia were recovered. 

Arrested are the following:

Sydnee R. Darras, age 34 of 113 South Main Street in Mendon (The 5 year old’s mother).  Arrested on a warrant for Contempt of Court, issued by Mercer County Juvenile Court.  Darras is currently being held on 50 thousand dollars bond, subject to 10%.  

Joseph R. Houser, age 37 of 113 South Main Street in Mendon was taken into custody and charged with Obstructing Justice, a misdemeanor of the first degree.   Houser is currently being held on 20 thousand dollars bond, subject to 10%.  

David M. Hawkins, age 55 of 5609 US Route 33 Mendon (The 5 year old’s grandfather) was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Celina Municipal Court for violating a temporary protection order, a misdemeanor of the first degree.  Hawkins is also being charged with possession of drugs, a felony of the 5^th degree.  Hawkins is currently being held on 50 thousand dollars bond, subject to 10%.

Heather D. Mullins, age 52 of 5609 US Route 33 Mendon was arrested for possession of drugs, a felony of the 5^th degree.   Mullins is currently being held on 50 thousand dollars bond, subject 10%.

This case will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for additional review and possible additional charges.  Deputies were assisted by members of the Grand Lake Task Force.