Former Ashland Police Officer Sentenced To 75 Months For Attempting To Illegally Obtain Prescription Drugs And For Firearm Offense

ASHLAND, KY - Melvin Charles Schoch, Jr., 30, was sentenced today to 75 months in federal prison for attempting to possess with intent to distribute Oxycodone and using a firearm during a drug offense.

Schoch previously admitted that, in May or June of 2009, while working as an Ashland Police Officer, he and two other individuals invaded a residence in Boyd County. They conducted the home invasion, under the guise of executing a search warrant, in order to obtain Oxycodone pills and/or money for their own personal benefit.

Prior to entering the residence, Schoch provided the others with police tactical equipment to help with the home invasion. Schoch entered the home armed with his duty weapon, a .40 caliber Glock pistol, and placed the two male occupants of the residence in handcuffs. However, Schoch didn’t locate any pills at the residence.

According to the plea agreement, before to the home invasion, Schoch and the others observed activity around the residence and believed there were large quantities of Oxycodone and cash at the residence.

Schoch’s co-defendant, Ellis Pittman, previously pleaded guilty to similar charges and is scheduled for sentencing in September.

Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Robert L. Corso, Special Agent in Charge, DEA; Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police Commissioner and Jack Conway. Kentucky Attorney General jointly made the announcement today.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the Morehead Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron L. Walker represented the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this case.

Under federal law, Schoch must serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence.