Dozens nabbed in Laurel drug roundup Friday

John Root took office as Laurel County Sheriff on Jan. 1. On Jan. 3 his deputies began an investigation that culminated Friday morning when deputies, Kentucky State Police and London Police arrested 25 people on various drug trafficking charges.

Before the sun had risen, the officers spread out across the county, knocking on doors to serve the arrest warrants and take the individuals into custody.

By 9 a.m., the last group of suspects has been returned to the sheriff’s office for processing.

Root said the charges the individuals are facing include first, second and/or third degree trafficking in a controlled substance and, in some instances, possession of a controlled substance. The charges came about following controlled buys made by undercover detectives who are targeting these types of dealers.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Public Affairs Officer Gilbert Accirado noted the drugs involved are primarily methamphetamine and/or prescription pills.

"Over 80 percent of arrest made in Laurel County are because of drugs and alcohol," Root said. "Without a doubt, the number-one problem in Laurel County is drugs."

Those arrested were:

• Polly Brock age 26 Hwy 3094, East Bernstadt charged with Traff. Controlled Sub. 2nd, 2 counts of Traff. Controlled Sub. 3rd, Traff. Controlled Sub. 1st

• Audrey Farley age 55 Danielle Street,London—Traff. Controlled Sub. within 1,000 yards of a school; Traff.  Controlled Sub. 2nd degree

• Thelma Combs age 57  West 10th Street Apts. London, Ky —Traff. Controlled Sub. Within 1,000 yards of a school

• Homer Combs age 69 West 10th Street Apts. London—3 counts Traff. Controlled Sub. Within 1,000 yards of a school

• Jeremy D. Holbrooks age 23 Oneal Road, London—Traff. Controlled Sub. 2nd Degree

• Thomas Adkins age 65  Maggard Road, London — Traff. Controlled Sub. 1st Degree

• Shawn Allen Sweet age 33 Rader Ridge Road, London—Cultivating Marijuana less than 5 plants

• Carl Cawood age 49  Old Crab Orchard Road, East Bernstadt—Traff. Controlled Sub. 1st Degree

• Bobby Joe Murray age 56 Little Pittsburg Road, Pittsburg, Ky—Traff. 1st degree Meth

• James Rondal Murray age 60 Little Pittsburg Road,Pittsburg— Traff. 1st Degree Meth.

• Anthony D. Vaughn age 36 Old Crab Orchard Road, East Bernstadt– Traff. Controlled Sub. 1st Degree

• Isaiah Allen age 65  Little Arthur Ridge Road, East Bernstadt—2 counts of Traff. Controlled Sub.

• Doreen Lewis age 43  West Hwy 1376, East Bernstadt—2 counts of Traff. Controlled Sub. 2nd Degree, Traff. Controlled Sub. 3rd Degree

• Evelyn Sue Combs age 59 Arthur Ridge Road , East Bernstadt— Traff. Controlled Sub. 1st Degree
 
• David McFadden age52  Arthur Ridge Road, East Bernstadt—2 counts of Traff. Controlled Sub. 1st Degree

• Nikita Isaacs age 23  North Laurel Road, East Bernstadt—Traff. In Marijuana less than 8 oz.

• Tonya Gail Parms age32  Barbourville Road, London —2 counts of Traff. Controlled Sub. 2nd Degree

• John Wayne Parms age 44  Barbourville Road, London—Traff. Controlled Sub. 2nd Degree

• Lukesha T.  Cunnigan age 34  Old Crab Orchard Road, East Bernstadt— Traff. Controlled Sub. 1st Degree

• Leslie Malcomb Hubbard age 36 Les Hubbard Road, East Bernstadt–Manufacturing Methamphetamine  1st Offense; persistent felony offender 1st degree

• Jack Price age 50 Sherry Street, London—Hindering Apprehension 2nd degree—regarding the arrest of Leslie Hubbard

• Jewell Price  age 43  Sherry Street, London— Hindering Apprehension 2nd degree—regarding the arrest of Leslie Hubbard

• Charles Napier age 32 Noelle Lane East Bernstadt—Manufacturing Methamphetamine ;Resisting arrest

• Angela J. Patterson age 33 Halls Lane , East Bernstadt—Poss. Of Drug Paraphernalia

• Jeffery Allen Blair age 44  North Hwy U.S. 25  East Bernstadt—Receiving Stolen Property

Some suspects were not at home and are still being sought by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department. Their names will be released when they are arrested. A total of 15 officers were involved in the round up of suspects —11 Laurel County Deputies including Sheriff John Root, 2 KSP troopers, and 2 London City Police Officers. Also assisting was Laurel Department of Public Safety Officer Albert Hale, and Department of Child Based Services Allison Westerfield.

Investigations into illegal drug activities will continue by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Dept.

Root thanked the state troopers and London Police who came out to assist the sheriff’s department in the operation, noting the three departments have a history of working well together.

While this is the first such operation since Root was sworn in as sheriff, he promised it is not the last, warning drug dealers who continue to sell drugs to expect a similar knock on the door in the near future.

Root added that the general public is what gets the ball rolling on many investigations, encouraging anyone to feel free to contact him if they have information about someone dealing drugs.

He emphasized that the tips may be made anonymously.

"Call or come by the office," Root said. "My door is always open."

The number to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office is (606) 864-6600.

More information, including the names of individuals and the charges they are facing will be posted as soon as they are released.