Laurel deputies investigating “suspicious activity” find meth, make four arrests

An investigation into a complaint of suspicious activity outside of a business on West Cumberland Gap Pkwy. in north Corbin resulted in the arrest of four people on drug and/or parole violation charges Friday morning.

According to Laurel County Sheriff John Root, deputies were called to the scene behind one of the gas stations about 3:30 a.m. where they found a vehicle along with the four individuals, later identified as 28-year-old Charlee Stivers, of Corbin, 27-year-old Marti Payne of London, 26-year-old Shayne Carl of Corbin and 34-year-old Joshua Atkins of Corbin.

Detective James Sizemore along with K-9 Deputy Daniel Grigsby spoke with the suspects. Grigsby’s K-9 “Edge” alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle.

When Sizemore and Grigsby searched the vehicle, they discovered a bag of suspected methamphetamine.

“We don’t know whether or not it is crystal methamphetamine,” said Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer adding it has been sent to the state police crime lab in Frankfort for testing.

Stivers was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

Payne was charged with theft by unlawful taking of the value under $500.

Carl was charged on a warrant for violating parole regarding a conviction in Laurel County on a charge of second-degree burglary.

Atkins was charged on a warrant for violating parole by failing to complete treatment for substance abuse, use of controlled substances – opiates, and failure to report to parole office as directed regarding a conviction in Laurel County on a charge of flagrant nonsupport.

Atkins was also served with warrant for failure to appear in court in Knox County on charges on charges of second-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication – controlled substances, and tampering with physical evidence.

In addition, Atkins was served with a two separate bench warrants out of Laurel County charging him with failure to appear in court regarding a charge of public intoxication – controlled substance and with failure to appear for drug testing regarding a charge of public intoxication – controlled substances.

Stivers is being held in the Laurel County Detention Center on a $25,000 cash bond.

Payne is being held in the detention center on a $1,500 cash bond.

Atkins and Carl are each being held in the detention center without bond.