UPDATE: Whitley Sheriff’s Deputies bust methamphetamine operation near Corbin following six-week investigation

A six-week investigation culminated late Sunday evening when Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies discovered methamphetamine and ingredients used to manufacture meth at a home about half a mile south of Corbin.

About 11:30 p.m., Sheriff Lawrence Hodge and several deputies went to a residence at 620 Bacon Creek Road to investigate reports of a possible methamphetamine lab, Hodge said in a press release.

When police arrived, they found three people inside the residence including: Kelly P. Coffey, 36, of Rockholds; Alicia M. Siler, 19, of Williamsburg; and Kenneth L. Buchanan, 27, of Corbin.

"After receiving consent to search, officers separated all three parties and found a small black bag under the side porch containing a plastic bag of methamphetamine weighing approximately six grams, several pseudoephedrine tablets, two glass narcotic pipes and several small electronic scales on the property," Hodge said in the release.

During their search, deputies also recovered several coffee filters, aluminum foil, Coleman fuel, pseudoephedrine tablets and other key items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, according to the release.

One deputy also discovered a small semi-automatic handgun hidden inside a McDonalds paper bag, the release noted.
Officers arrested Coffey, Siler and Buchanan and charged them with first-degree possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, and possession of meth precursors.

Buchanan and Coffey were also charged with being convicted felons in possession of a handgun and first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

"While Sheriff Hodge was conducting interviews, several calls were received on Mr. Buchanan’s cell phone wanting to purchase illegal substances," the release stated.

One person arrived at the scene and was arrested. Another party was spotted nearing the residence before noticing several officers and attempting to outrun them. He was later taken into custody, the release stated.

Police charged Jack Armstrong, 38, of Rockholds, and James Hill, 43, of Corbin, with alcohol intoxication, according to their arrest citations.

Deputies charged Christopher Bobbitt, 22, of Corbin, with alcohol intoxication, having an open container of alcohol and on a bench warrant for failing to appear in district court last year on charges of theft and fraudulent use of credit cards, according to his arrest citations.

"The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected in the future," Hodge said in the release.
Officers taking part in the investigation included: Hodge, Sgt. Denny Shelley, and Deputies Brett Reeves, Brian Lawson, Alan Onkst, Ron Bowling, and Josh Price.

"Also, the Corbin Police Department assisted in the investigation and their assistance is greatly appreciated," Hodge said in the release.