A monthslong federal investigation ended with a Miami University student in handcuffs — right in the middle of exam season.
Just as Miami University students were sitting down for finals, federal investigators were wrapping up something far more serious on S. College Avenue — a monthslong drug investigation that ended in a dramatic arrest Friday afternoon.
Oxford police executed a court-authorized search warrant around noon, arresting 22-year-old student William Esler at a house near campus. Officers reportedly found over 27 grams of cocaine in his possession.
“I definitely didn’t expect to see that when I was driving down the road to take my master’s exam today.”— Madison Slosier, graduate student
Multiple students on the scene reported seeing DEA vehicles outside the residence — a sign that the investigation extended beyond local law enforcement. The bust was not spontaneous; police say it was the result of a months-long undercover operation before Friday’s warrant was served.
Esler now faces two first-degree felony charges: possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs. He was transported to Butler County Jail.
“Tough break during finals week, especially if you have a job lined up after.”— Molly Stratton, student
For many students, the incident was jarring — but some weren’t entirely surprised. “I’ve kind of heard that people think Daddy’s money isn’t really going to help them get away with this, this time,” one graduate student remarked as she passed by the scene.
First-degree felony drug trafficking in Ohio carries a potential sentence of up to 11 years in prison. The case remains under investigation.
