CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Two people have been jailed in Clermont County after a grand jury indictment tied to a deadly drug overdose that investigators say involved fentanyl, cocaine, and meth.
Jesse Herndon, 41, of Bethel, and Rachel Kenser, 38, of Loveland, were indicted March 31 in connection with the death of a 44-year-old man found unresponsive in Jackson Township last September.
Emergency crews were called to the 3700 block of U.S. Route 50 around 9:56 p.m. Sept. 15, 2025, for a report of an unresponsive person. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
A toxicology report later determined the cause of death to be the combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
Authorities say a detailed, months-long investigation uncovered evidence linking the pair to the drugs involved in the fatal overdose, including digital evidence recovered from cellphones found at the scene.
Investigators say Kenser admitted during interviews that she helped purchase narcotics connected to the case and also acknowledged disposing of evidence related to the investigation.
Detectives say forensic analysis of cellphone data played a key role in identifying Herndon, with records linking him to communications surrounding the sale of narcotics.
A search warrant executed at Herndon’s residence in Bethel led to the recovery of additional evidence, including a phone allegedly used in drug transactions.
Both defendants now face multiple felony charges, including involuntary manslaughter and corrupting another with drugs, along with trafficking and possession of fentanyl-related compounds and cocaine.
Herndon is also charged with aggravated possession of drugs, while Kenser faces additional counts of tampering with evidence.
Both remain in custody at the Clermont County Jail and are scheduled to appear in Clermont County Common Pleas Court for arraignment.
