Nelsonville missing persons investigation leads to drug case, human remains found
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Authorities believe they have found the remains of a Nelsonville man whose disappearance has led to drugs and weapons charges.
Bryan "Kyle" Bridgeman, 30, was reported missing by his grandmother in early June days after he was last seen on Matheny Road with Paul Coon Jr., a federally convicted felon.
The investigation into Bridgeman's disappearance has led police to Alabama and South Carolina and to charges in connection with a so-called drug ring that uses unemployment money to buy drugs in Columbus.
According to AL.com, Coon was arrested in Houston County, Alabama, in October on a probation violation/fugitive from justice warrant filed in Athens County.
Coon's wife, 32-year-old Lindsay Woolever, was indicted by Athens County prosecutors in September on weapons charges and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The indictment lists information gathered during Bridgeman's missing persons case as the start of the investigation.
According to the indictment, Woolever was arrested on a felony warrant and admitted to detectives that she was part of a group that pooled unemployment money together to buy fentanyl and meth from dealers in Columbus.
She also admitted to illegally providing guns to convicted felons, including her husband Coon.
A few text messages found on Woolever's phone showed her asking for a ride to Columbus to "pick up some more fetti."
On Nov. 11, deputies executed a search warrant at Bridgeman's home and discovered human remains. Authorities believe the remains are those of Bridgeman.
Athens County Prosecutor Kyle Blackburn said the remains will be tested to confirm and that the case remains under investigation.
