Corbin couple arrested for drug trafficking; over 400 pills found in home

Leland and Shirley Karr

A Corbin couple has been charged with multiple drug trafficking offenses in Laurel County after sheriff’s deputies found more than 400 prescription pills at their home.

According to Sheriff John Root, Leland Karr, 62, and his wife, Shirley M. Karr, 51, were arrested at their home on Earl Howard Road Wednesday afternoon when deputies arrived to serve a search warrant as part of an investigation led by Detective Brad Mitchell.

During the search, Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, reported that deputies found the prescription pills, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, and a large amount of cash.

Leland Karr was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – second offense, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – second offense and third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – second offense. He had been convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in Laurel Circuit Court in 1997.

Shirley M. Karr was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Both were lodged in the Laurel county Detention Center where they are each being held on a $25,000 bond, post 10 percent. They are scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Laurel District Court.

Mitchell was assisted at the scene by: Laurel Sheriff John Root, Chief Deputy Eddy Sizemore, Laurel Sheriff’s Detective Jason Back, Detective Billy Madden,  Senior Sgt. Greg Poynter, Deputy  Robbie Grimes, Deputy Greg Turner, Deputy Shawn Boroviak, and Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, Bailiff Shane Rice, and Bailiff Kenton Scharf. Also assisting at the scene were agents from the London Office of the DEA.

Sheriff Root noted the investigation that led to the arrests and seizure of the pills was the result of a tip that came into the sheriff’s office. Root has said on multiple occasions that eliminating drug trafficking in Laurel County is one of his top priorities. Anyone with information about suspected drug trafficking activity is asked to contact the sheriff’s office, 864-6600. Callers may remain anonymous.