Somerset couple being held on $1 million bond

SOMERSET — According to Muskingum County Sheriff Matthew Lutz, two residents from Somerset are currently being held in the Muskingum County Jail on multiple charges. The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team took the couple into custody last Thursday evening.

According to the sheriff’s office, the duo was arrested after warrants were issued by the Muskingum County Court, following a joint investigation by the FBI, Muskingum County and Zanesville City Drug Unit and the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force.

Michael S. Siegenthal, 41, of Somerset, was charged by the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, a felony in the first degree; four counts of conspiracy to aggravated robbery, a felony in the second degree; and another four counts of conspiracy to aggravated burglary, a felony in the second degree.

If convicted of these crimes, Micheal could face upwards of three to 86 years in prison.

The second arrested was 49-year-old Tami Siegenthal, also of Somerset. She is charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, a felony in the first degree; four counts of conspiracy to aggravated robbery, a felony in the second degree; and another four counts of conspiracy to aggravated burglary, a felony in the second degree.

If convicted, Tami could also face upwards of three to 86 years in prison.

According to the Sheriff Lutz’s office, the arrests were conducted after several months of investigation after FBI personnel was provided information referencing the couple plotting to kill and rob local drug dealers.

Once the information was received, a joint investigation took place with members of the Muskingum County and Zanesville City Drug Unit and the CODE Task Force.

Throughout the investigation, it was detailed that the two allegedly plotted to murder and rob at least two local drug dealers. They also allegedly plotted to rob two other drug dealers in what the sheriff’s office called an “elaborate scheme” to steal drugs along with benefits obtained through the illegal drug trade.

Both Tami and Micheal are being held at the Muskingum County Jail on a $1 million bond each.