Break-in complaint leads to meth bust

A complaint of a break-in in north Corbin Tuesday morning resulted in the arrest of two Ohio people after Laurel County deputies discovered methamphetamine in their motel room.

Robert A. Eberle, 43, and Brittney Vail, 32, both of Cincinnati, Ohio, were arrested and lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said that Eberle was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – methamphetamine, second-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft by unlawful taking.

Vail was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, second-degree disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Acciardo said shift Sgt. Brett Reeves and K-9 Deputy Jake Miller responded to the scene off of West Cumberland Gap Parkway at approximately 9:44 a.m. in response to a complaint of a theft from a trailer parked in the motel parking lot.

“Upon arrival at the scene and in cooperation with management, a suspect was identified on surveillance video and the room where the suspect was staying was determined through investigation,” Acciardo stated.

When deputies knocked on the door, Acciardo said one of the suspects opened the door.

However, upon realizing it was law enforcement, they attempted to slam the door shut.

“As deputies made entry, they observed a male subject attempting to jump out an open window,” Acciardo stated.

A struggle ensued after which deputies took the suspect, later identified as Eberle, into custody.

A female subject, later identified as Vail, was found unresponsive in the room.

EMS was called to the scene to check on Vail.

“Upon being awaked and while being checked by EMS, the female subject created a disturbance yelling and cursing,” Acciardo stated. “While being escorted in the hallway of the motel this individual continued to yell and curse and create a disturbance there.”

Acciardo said deputies recovered a large amount of suspected methamphetamine, baggies, scales, and needles by the open window.

In addition, deputies determined that Eberle was wanted by the state of Ohio.

When contacted, Acciardo said Ohio authorities stated that they would seek to extradite Eberle.

Assisting in the investigation for the sheriff’s office were Lieut. Chris Edwards, Detective Robert Reed and Deputy Hunter Disney.