Knox deputies investigating ‘elder abuse’ complaint make drug arrest

Knox County Sheriff’s deputies sent to investigate a complaint of elderly abuse Monday at a Woodbine residence found no evidence of abuse, but they did find drugs and paraphernalia.

Deputy William Stewart, the department’s public affairs officer, said deputies were dispatched to the residence on Ky. 6 after a family member came to the sheriff’s office to report that a man had moved into the residence without permission, was neglecting and mistreating the individual, and was using drugs.

Deputies Sam Mullins and Claude Hudson responded and made contact with 47-year-old Paul Gary Gray of Barbourville and 44-year-old Tammy Carter of Williamsburg.

Stewart said deputies found plastic baggies containing a white residue suspected to be methamphetamine, along with used syringes and pipes used to smoke methamphetamine.

Gray was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Carter was served with two outstanding bench warrants out of Whitley County charging her with public intoxication – controlled substance and third-degree criminal trespassing.

While deputies were at the residence, Stewart said a third individual, identified as 32-year-old Mary A. Smith of Barbourville arrived at the residence. Upon speaking with Smith, Stewart said deputies determined she was under the influence and arrested her for public intoxication – controlled substance.