Three still incarcerated after W’burg police, ATF seize 60 grams of suspected meth

Three people are still incarcerated in the Whitley County Detention Center in lieu of $50,000 cash bonds after a joint investigation by the Williamsburg police and federal agents resulted in the seizure of about 60 grams of suspected methamphetamine, according to arrest citations and a police department release.

Williamsburg police charged Omer George Hall Jr., 43, of Louisville, Bret Alan Hatfield, 43, and Laura B. McBrayer, 35, both of Corbin, with conspiracy to first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (more than two grams of methamphetamine). For Hatfield and Hall this was a second offense, according to the release.

Hatfield and Hall were also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the release and arrest citations.

About 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 14, Williamsburg Police and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) London office executed a season warrant at 3 Osborne Lane in Corbin, which is near Bee Creek Road, the release noted.

According to his arrest citation, 3 Osborne Lane is Hatfield’s residence.

“During the course of an on-going investigation and during a search of the suspects premises, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine was recovered and seized, along with digital scales, a large sum of US currency, electronic devices, a stolen handgun, a rifle, and drug paraphernalia,” according to the release.

Williamsburg police conducted the investigation, which lead to the issuance of the search warrant, according to arrest citations.

Hatfield allegedly admitted that he arranged a drug transaction between himself and Hall, specifically for methamphetamine, and then sold it to a third party, Officer Dorman Patrick Jr. wrote on Hatfield’s arrest citation.

A large sum of cash was found on Hall’s person and in his vehicle along with other miscellaneous paraphernalia items found in his vehicle, Officer Chad Foley wrote on Hall’s citation.

The trio pled not guilty during their Whitley District Court arraignments on Dec. 16.

Judge Cathy Prewitt appointed the public advocate’s office to represent each defendant, and scheduled Dec. 28 preliminary hearings in their cases.

Patrick, Foley, ATF Senior Special Agent T. Tremaine, ATF Task Force Officer J. Armstrong, and ATF Task Force Officer G. Taylor conducted the investigation.

Officers assisting with the investigation and the execution of the search warrant included: Williamsburg K-9 Officer Johnny Fulton, Officer Bryson Lawson, Officer Trevor Teague, Officer Daniel Lovitt, Chief Wayne Bird, Investigations Lieutenant Bobby Freeman, K-9 Lt. Jim Pool and K-9 Nitro, K-9 Sgt. Elijah Hunter and K-9 Thor, and Second-District Constable Ron “Bubba” Bowling.