Troopers, Whitley deputies, Williamsburg PD make drug/theft arrests in joint operation

 A joint effort by Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies, Williamsburg Police and Kentucky State Police led to multiple arrests in connection with a stolen truck, two stolen ATV’s and a meth lab Tuesday night.

Thirty-seven-year-old Shawn D. Dople was arrested for the theft of the truck, 32-year-old Andrew G. Mason was arrested on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and 61-year-old John W. Chatham was charged with receiving stolen property in connection with the ATV’s.

Harrell said the situation began about 6 p.m. Tuesday when deputies, troopers and police officers were planning to organize traffic safety checkpoints in the Louden and neighboring communities of Whitley County.

“Before a checkpoint was established, Williamsburg Detective Bobby Freemen spotted a pickup truck matching the description of a truck reported stolen from Lexington,” Harrell stated. “Intel reports had suggested the red pickup might be located in the Louden area.

After a short pursuit, Freeman was able to stop the truck and the driver, later identified as Dople, was taken into custody.

The truck was confirmed stolen and Dople was charged with theft by unlawful taking of the value of $500 but less than $10,000 – automobile. In addition, he was served with two outstanding warrants.

Harrell said law enforcement went to investigate information that drugs were being sold at a nearby residence on Rovena Smith Road.

Sheriff’s Lt. Millard Root, Deputy Joe Prewitt and Williamsburg K9 Officer Brandon Prewitt conducted a “knock and talk.”

“As they approached, the man holding something in his hand walked behind the trailer,” Harrell stated, noting when the man returned and met with the officers, he no longer had any object in his possession.

Additional officers and state troopers arrived, as a strong ether-like odor was detected around the trailer.

Officers found a large plastic bottle partially concealed in a leaf pile.

“It appeared to be an active one-step methamphetamine lab,” Harrell stated.

When questioned by law enforcement, Harrell stated that the suspect, later identified as Mason, admitted there was a backpack containing various meth precursors hidden inside the kitchen stove.

Officers found the backpack, which contained: Lye, rock salt, table salt, coffee filters and other items associated with meth production.

Kentucky State Police’s “DESI” unit was contacted to properly dispose of the active meth lab and components.

Mason was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine – second offense.

Authorities then went to a residence on Ky. 779 to follow up on information that two ATV’s were seen on Ky. 779.

Harrell stated that one of the ATV’s, which was one of two reported stolen out of Laurel County, was found at the residence at 7208 Ky. 779.

Chatham was charged with receiving stolen property valued under $300.

At a nearby residence, an ATV reported stolen from a home in the New Zion community was found. However, the resident was not home.

Those who participated in the joint effort were Kentucky State Police Troopers Les Moses, Mike Witt and Tony Dingess; Williamsburg Police Department Chief Wayne Bird, Detective Bobby Freeman, K9 Officer Brandon Prewitt and Officer Brandon White; and Whitley County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Millard Root and Deputy Joe Prewitt.

Williamsburg Police Chief Wayne Bird praised the efforts of the officers who worked together and made this happen in such a short time.

“In less than an 8-hour shift, all of this occurred,” Bird said. “This is the result of agencies coming together, communicating and sharing information.”

Harrell advised to expect more of these efforts in the future.

“The public can expect to see more of these traffic safety checkpoints and joint investigative effort across the county,” Harrell stated.