Van Wert Man Sentenced to 15 to 20½ Years in Drug Case

A Van Wert man was sentenced Tuesday to 15 to 20½ years in prison following a drug seizure valued at approximately $250,000.

Devon Couch pleaded guilty last month to four felony possession charges involving cocaine, drugs, hashish and marijuana. Each charge carried a firearm specification.

The investigation began December 21, 2025, when police and EMS responded to a possible overdose on North Washington Street. Officers saw drug-related items in plain view and obtained a search warrant, leading to the seizure of drugs, cash, firearms and ammunition.

Judge Martin D. Burchfield also ordered Couch to forfeit nearly $11,000 and the seized firearms. Couch will face two to five years of post-release control following his prison term.