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Meth lab found near school
MOREHEAD – A recently used methamphetamine lab was discovered in a residence near Clearfield Elementary School on Monday, July 9.
This was the fourth lab discovered in Rowan County in as many months, and the second in the Clearfield community.
“The residence was about 200 to 300 feet from Clearfield Elementary School,” noted Iain Dalrymple, manager of Operation UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office received information about 6 p.m. Monday about the possible drug operation at a trailer on Partin Street and contacted UNITE detectives. Further investigation provided enough information for a search warrant.
“This was a complete lab,” Dalrymple said. “While it was not active, all the elements were present and there was evidence that it had recently been used to produce methamphetamine.”
Law enforcement officials want to interview the person who had been renting the mobile home. Police are not releasing his name at this time.
“Our preliminary investigation shows that children had been staying at the residence,” Dalrymple said. “At this time we don’t know if they were present while the meth was being produced or if they were exposed to the chemicals.”
Assisting UNITE in cleaning up the site were members of the Morehead Police Department, Morehead Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, and District 8 Haz-Mat Team.
On March 29, nearly 200 homes in the Clearfield community were evacuated after an active methamphetamine lab was discovered in a mobile home park. The following day an inactive lab was located on Rose Road in the Dry Creek Community.
Then, on April 30, a hunter discovered a complete lab capable of producing quite a bit of methamphetamine in the middle of a somewhat secluded camping site near Cave Run Lake in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
UNITE detectives said the latest lab may be connected to the two labs found in March.

Three charged with manufacturing meth
LONDON – Three people on a shopping spree for chemicals used to make methamphetamine were arrested Friday, July 6.
Each was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine under a 2005 state statute requiring the presence of only two or more chemicals or pieces of equipment if it can be shown there is intent to produce methamphetamine.
Arrested and lodged at the Laurel County Detention Center were 37-year-old Albert Abner Jr. and 32-year-old Lucy Cotton, both of Bert Allen Road, London, and 22-year-old Michael Sultz of Camden Street, Ferndale, Michigan.
An Operation UNITE detective had received a tip that the trio may be purchasing medications containing pseudoephedrine, and contacted the London Police Department for assistance in locating their vehicle.
About 8 p.m. London Sgt. Matt Moore and Officer Eric Wilkerson stopped the suspects’ silver PT Cruiser on North Main Street.
The driver, Abner, consented to a search of the car where police located approximately 10 grams of pseudoephedrine-containing medications, lithium batteries, Liquid Fire (which contains sulfuric acid), and sodium hydroxide (household lye).
Senate Bill 63, passed by the 2005 Kentucky General Assembly, limits the amount of packages of products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in tablet, caplet or powder form to no more than 9 grams in a 30-day period.
Both Abner and Cotton had already been under investigation by UNITE for violating the 9-gram limit.

The Operation UNITE Shoot Hoops Not Drugs Basketball Camp
will be held at the Menifee County High School gym on Thursday, June 28th beginning at 4:00PM.  The camp will be hosted by former UK star Jeff Sheppard.  The camp is free and includes a T-shirt, drinks and hot dogs for all participants.  Participants will also be placed in a drawing for free portable basketball goals to be given away at the end of the camp.  Pre-registration is not required.  Please call 768-8011 for more information.

Magoffin RU followup
Several of you have asked about a follow-up to the April 12 drug roundup. There have been a total of 18 of the 23 people sought arrested - leaving 5 left to arrest.
17 of those arrested were included in the original release. The 18th person was Peggy Bailey, age 47, of Elk Creek Road, Salyersville, charged with one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. I have
attached her mug shot.

‘Career’ drug dealers face federal charges
LONDON – Two Perry County men with a history of drug trafficking now face federal charges as the result of an investigation begun last year by Operation UNITE.
Jerry D. Delaney and Delvin Caudill were arrested Thursday, April 12, on criminal complaints filed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in London. Both were charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute OxyContin, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Caudill, age 72, of Hardburly Road, was released on bond. Delaney, age 52, of Jakes Fork Road, is being held in the Laurel County Detention Center pending a detention hearing scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the U.S. District Courthouse in London.
A trial date is pending the return of indictments by a federal grand jury.
Delaney and Caudill were originally arrested on October 6, 2006, by UNITE detectives following the execution of search warrants on their homes in the Hardburley community of eastern Perry County. Each was initially charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second or subsequent offense.
During a search of Delaney’s residence UNITE detectives and officers from the Hazard Police Department found 21 OxyContin 40mg tablets. At the home where Caudill was staying they confiscated 271 OxyContin 40mg tablets and 40 80mg tablets along with more than $8,600 in cash.
At the time Caudill posted a $100,000 cash bond in state court. In early December the DEA seized this cash as illegal drug proceeds.
Earlier this year, when the cases were adopted by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, state charges were dismissed in Perry Circuit Court in accordance with the federal career offender statute.
Caudill returned to his home while Delaney moved to Powell County.
“These men are career felony offenders,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE’s director of law enforcement. “Despite prior convictions for selling drugs they continued to flaunt the law and will now have to pay a much stiffer penalty.”
At the time of their initial arrest Delaney was on state probation for a felony drug trafficking conviction on a UNITE case and has a second drug trafficking conviction.
Caudill was also on state probation for a felony drug trafficking conviction on a UNITE case and has a previous federal drug trafficking conviction.

Four more charged in Clay drug roundup
MANCHESTER – Four more people have been arrested in connection with an April 11 roundup of suspected drug dealers in Clay County.
These individuals were among 35 people targeted by Operation UNITE as part of on-going investigations into illegal drug dealing over the past six months.
Twenty-four of the suspects were arrested during the initial sweeps – a Hot Spot operation conducted in the Horse Creek community during the morning and a county-wide search in the afternoon. The new arrests all came Wednesday evening. They are:
• David D. Holt, age 25, Crawfish Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Tony Hoskins, age 41, Gabbards Fork Road, Manchester, second-degree possession of a controlled substance second offense.
• Mark A. Prilaman, age 44, Gregory Branch Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Gary Woods, age 45, Long Bottom Road, Manchester, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Operation Hot Spot is an effort by UNITE to target drug-stricken communities by arresting the dealers and following up with a community meeting to empower residents with the information and resources needed to keep their neighborhoods drug-free.
Most of the 19 individuals wanted in Wednesday’s Hot Spot operation lived on Crawfish Road, Curry Branch, Gregory Branch Road or Roots Branch Road.
A meeting for Horse Creek residents will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Horse Creek Baptist Church on KY 80.
During the afternoon part of the roundup law enforcement officers targeted individuals from throughout the county to arrest 16 people, most of whom were wanted for the sale or manufacturing of methamphetamine.
For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.

19 sought in Rowan drug roundup
MOREHEAD – Nineteen people suspected of drug trafficking in the Rowan County area were targeted for arrest during an Operation UNITE roundup on Tuesday, April 10.
Law enforcement officers from six agencies spread out in teams to serve the arrest warrants following a late-morning briefing at the Carl Perkins Center on KY 32.
As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday six of the suspects had been arrested and lodged in the Rowan County Detention Center.
Cases leading up to the roundup were developed during an eight-month undercover operation by UNITE. Most of the charges involved the illegal sales of OxyContin, Oxycodone, Morphine or cocaine.
Assisting with the roundup were officers from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Morehead Police Department, Morehead State University Police Department, Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement.
These cases are unrelated to an ongoing methamphetamine investigation that resulted in two arrests in March after two clandestine labs were discovered within a 24-hour period in the Clearfield and Dry Creek communities.
This was the second organized roundup of drug dealers in Rowan County conducted by UNITE since November 2004.
Those arrested Tuesday were:
• Joshua Brown, age 26, KY 801 North, Morehead, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and first-degree persistent felony offender.
• Jeffrey Fraley, age 40, IGO Road, Morehead, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Erica Gardner, age 25, Main Street, Morehead, trafficking in a simulated controlled substance.
• Erica Gibson, age 19, HC 70, Sandy Hook, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• John E. Jones, age 32, McBrayer Road, Morehead, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, and persistent felony offender.
• Mitchell S. Robinson, age 43, Perry Street, Morehead, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, and trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.

Repeat drug offender to receive 15 years
SALYERSVILLE – A 36-year-old Magoffin County resident will receive a 15-year prison sentence for drug trafficking under a plea agreement reached last week, according to UNITE Prosecutor David Jorjani.
Doyle Patrick, of Salyersville, agreed to plead guilty to first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender charges on Thursday, February 1. He is scheduled for final sentencing on Thursday, March 15, before Magoffin County Circuit Judge Kim Childers.
“If you’re going to continue to break the law it’s not going to be taken lightly,” Jorjani said, noting stiff jury recommendations combined with quality cases from Operation UNITE detectives has made an impact.
“Magoffin County residents are tired of seeing drug dealers walking the streets. In the last 12 months our average jury sentence for a Class C felony is nine years,” Jorjani said. “With UNITE utilizing the latest technology and investigative techniques to make solid cases, plea offers look good to the defendants.”
Seven other Magoffin County residents entered guilty pleas to drug-related charges on February 1. They were:
• Timmothy Barnett, age 28, of Salyersville, pled guilty to first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Barnett is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in jail. He will serve four years and have the balance probated for five years.
• Robert Matthew Blanton, age 31, of Salyersville, pled guilty to first-degree possession of a controlled substance. Blanton is expected to be sentenced to three years in jail probated for two years. In addition he will forfeit $3,215 in cash and one handgun to Operation UNITE.
• Mack Brown, age 47, of Salyersville, pled guilty to first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and third-degree possession of a controlled substance. Brown is expected to be sentenced to five years in jail. He will serve one year and have the balance probated for five years.
• Dawn Davis, age 25, of Salyersville, pled guilty to first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Davis is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in jail. She will serve four years and have the balance probated for five years.
• Bridgett McGuire Miller, age 42, of Salyersville, pled guilty to two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Miller is expected to receive five years probation upon successful completion of the Magoffin County Drug Court, and an additional five years probation to run consecutive to this sentence.
• Tony Rowe, age 32, of Salyersville, pled guilty to first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Rowe is expected to be sentenced to seven years in jail. He will serve five years and have the balance probated for five years.
• Crystal McNew Salyer, age 28, of Salyersville, pled guilty to first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and first-degree conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance. Salyer is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in jail and ordered to pay $120 restitution to Operation UNITE. She will serve five years and have the balance probated for five years.
Final sentencings for all suspects is also scheduled for March 15 before Judge Childers.

Knott man receives more than 10 years after pleading guilty to federal drug, gun charges
PIKEVILLE – A Knott County man will spend more than 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal drug charges in U.S. District Court in Pikeville.
James Arthur Pratt, 36, of Eagle’s Nest, Emmalena, pled guilty Tuesday, January 9, to felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, distribution of Hydrocodone, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug transaction.
U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove sentenced Pratt to 63 months on the firearm possession charge and 60 months on the drug distribution charge, with these terms to run consecutively for a total of 123 months. In addition, he imposed a 60-month sentence for the carrying a firearm charge to run concurrent to the other sentences.
Upon release Pratt will have to serve five years supervised probation.
The joint investigation with Operation UNITE and the ATF began in January 2006 after Pratt sold hydrocodone tablets to undercover detectives twice in the same day. During these transactions Pratt was in possession of a handgun.
The Knott County Sheriff’s Office also had been investigating Pratt at the time.
Pratt was indicted on August 28, 2006, by the U.S. District Court in Ashland. He was arrested two days later in the Holly Bush community of Knott County.

Couple charged after search warrant yields drugs, weapons
INEZ – Drugs, cash and weapons were discovered during a search at a Martin County residence as a result of numerous complaints to law enforcement officials.
Citizen tips to Operation UNITE and the Martin County Sheriff’s prompted a four-month investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of two people.
Around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2007, detectives from UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Martin County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at the Wolfcreek Road residence of Audrey and Arthur Parsons of Lovely.
The search warrant resulted in the seizure of 127 Hydrocodone, 27 Fioricet, 111 Diazepam and 32 Carisoprodol, one handgun, and approximately $1,568.00 in cash by UNITE. In addition, the Martin County Sheriff's Office seized one handgun and four rifles.
UNITE arrested 48-year-old Audrey Parsons on indictment warrants for two counts of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Additional charges are expected as a result of the investigation.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office arrested her husband, 48-year-old Arthur Parsons, on a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. An investigation continues regarding the possibility of one or more of the confiscated weapons having been stolen.
The Parsons were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Major meth operation raided in Laurel County
LONDON – A multiple meth lab operation was shut down following a police raid on a residence in eastern Laurel County Thursday, January 11.
Two people were charged by Operation UNITE in connection with the lab’s operation, while at least three other people were arrested by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office after they arrived at the scene.
“Operation UNITE and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating these suspects since early last year,” said Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force. “This is not the first time a lab has been found on this property.”
Following an investigation into dozens of complaints, law enforcement officers from UNITE, the sheriff’s office and London Police Department obtained a search warrant for the property, located on New Salem Road off KY 472 in the Langnau community near the Clay County line.
At about 5:30 p.m. a team of approximately 15 officers raided the secluded residence belonging to Rocky Brummett. In addition there were two camper trailers and a junk mobile home being used for storage that were also searched, Cunigan said.
When officers first arrived nobody was inside the home, although Brummett and at least two other people are believed to have fled on four-wheelers.
One of those individuals, 31-year-old Christopher Buttrey of Delmas Gilliam Road, London, was found hiding a short time later. Cunigan said Buttrey was riding a stolen ATV at the time of his arrest on a charge of manufacturing methamphetamine.
Brummett and the other unidentified man were still being sought Friday morning.
Inside the residence police found two meth labs, and a third lab was discovered outside the home.
“There was a lot of hazardous materials found in and around the property,” Cunigan said, adding UNITE detectives were on the scene until 12:30 a.m. Friday cleaning up the meth labs.
While police were on the scene a number of individuals drove up to the property – including 37-year-old Karrie Underwood of Spencer Road, East Bernstadt, who had been staying at the residence with her 4-year-old daughter.
“This child was exposed to the chemicals and fumes associated with manufacturing meth,” Cunigan said. “She had placed this little girl in extreme danger.”
Underwood was charged with one count each of manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth precursors, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, and controlled substance endangerment of a child. The latter is a new law made possible by the Kentucky General Assembly’s passage of Senate Bill 63 in 2005.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office also charged Underwood on outstanding warrants.
Social service workers were notified about the situation and took custody of the child, police said.
At least three other people who came to the property were also arrested by the Sheriff’s Office – two for possession of marijuana and the third for driving on a suspended operator’s license.
Laurel Sheriff Fred Yaden said his department seized several stolen four-wheelers, expensive tools, heavy equipment , generators and other items believed to have been taken from Laurel and Whitley counties.
The Sheriff’s Office will be handling all cases involving the stolen property, while UNITE is pursuing additional drug-related charges.

Beach honored during drug round-up
BEATTYVILLE – Before Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers ever conceived of Operation UNITE, Beattyville Mayor Charles Beach III was working hard to guide his community through the fog of substance abuse.
“It is only fitting that today, as we seek to arrest 25 more drug dealers in Lee County, that we honor Mayor Beach for his energy, his foresight, and his service and support to UNITE’s unique mission,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE law enforcement director.
Beach, who did not win reelection in November, was presented a plaque shortly after the drug round-up began Wednesday, December 13, at the Lee County Cooperative Extension Service Offices.
Law enforcement officers from the Beattyville Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police Richmond Post and Lee County constables joined UNITE detectives in the latest sweep of drug suspects.
Wednesday’s arrests were the result of an investigation spanning approximately six months, said Kentucky River Task Force Manager Mike Luttrell, noting the major drugs involved were OxyContin, Methadone and marijuana.
Tired of the problems in their town, in December 2001 more than four dozen people were arrested in “Operation Grinch,” an undercover drug investigation spearheaded by the Beattyville Police Department.
Just over a year later, the Lexington Herald-Leader published a special series of stories called “Prescription for Pain” highlighting Eastern Kentucky’s drug problems, which sparked UNITE’s creation by Congressman Rogers.
One of the principal writers of that series, Bill Estep, was on hand to cover Wednesday’s event.
As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday 16 of the 25 suspects had been arrested and lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail. They are:
• Hershell Barrett, age 71, Boone Avenue, Beattyville, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Laura Bryant, age 31, Highland Road, Beattyville, trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Rebecca Caudill, age 24, Highway 708 East, Beattyville, second-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Jonathon Davis, age 25, Highway 708 East, Beattyville, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Jerry Duke, age 42, Highway 52, Beattyville, third-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Ricky Farler, age 38, Main Street, Beattyville, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Darrell Fox, age 25, Blaines Branch Road, Beattyville, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Brack Goe, age 37, Blaines Branch,Beattyville, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Sandy Hacker, age 20, Proctor Bottom Road, Beattyville, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Alan Marcum, age 31, currently an inmate at the Blackburn Correctional Institution, first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Bridgette McIntosh, age 33, Walk Log Road, Beattyville, trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Angie Peters, age 40, Short Hollow Road, Beattyville, trafficking in a simulated controlled substance.
• Russell Sparks Jr., age 48, Walk Log Road, Beattyville, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. During his arrest police recovered 210 Methadone pills. That case will be presented to a Grand Jury for indictment.
• Michael Spencer, age 44, Rock Lick Road, Beattyville, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Debby Terry, age 42, Gillam Road, Beattyville, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Shane Traylor, age 36, Beatthville Manor, Beattyville, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Drug arrests focus on out-of-state pills
LEXINGTON – A federal, state and local effort to address the problem of out-of-state prescription medications has resulted in federal indictments for 12 individuals and arrest warrants by Operation UNITE for 103 street-level dealers.
Among those arrested on federal charges were two licensed pharmacists – Dan Daffron, owner of the Quick Script Pharmacy in Monticello, and D. Greg Jones of Richmond, who operates Rx Express in Russell, Kentucky, near Ashland. Both face multiple charges of unlawful distribution of controlled narcotics.
Also arrested on federal indictments were Adam Justice Palm and Kimberly Monette Palm of Clay County; Roger Dean Combs and Kelly Marie Green of Perry County; and Javed Ashiq, Tonya Lynn Groover and Kurt Francisco Kilgore from Atlanta.
Diversion of prescription medications for unlawful purposes has “a significant impact on Southeast Kentucky,” stated Amul R. Thapar, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, during a multi-agency news conference Monday, November 20. “As a team we’ve gone beyond the borders of Kentucky” to reduce drug availability.
“We’ve had enough!” proclaimed UNITE Executive Director Karen Engle. “We’re no longer going to be the doormat for these drug dealers in Eastern Kentucky.”
UNITE targeted street-level dealers in 11 counties on Monday, but officials note that problems exist everywhere.
“Each of the 29 counties covered by UNITE have people selling pills that originated from out-of-state,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE Law Enforcement Director. “We are being flooded with thousands of pills each month from Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and elsewhere. We will continue until we can tear that pipeline down.”
“The scope of the problem is significant, not only in Kentucky but in other states,” said Robert J. Benvenuti III, Kentucky’s Inspector General. “Kentucky has taken an aggressive step in preventing prescription abuse and diversion.”
A significant “tool” in the reducing drug diversion is the KASPER (Kentucky All-Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting) System, Benvenutti stated. “Other states look at Kentucky as the ‘gold standard’.” He added that a recent trend analysis provided “undisputable” evidence that UNITE’s approach is working.
Several of the federal cases announced Monday began as part of street-level investigations by UNITE. As additional resources were needed the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney’s office were brought in. This multi-agency cooperation, Thapar said, has proven very beneficial and will continue.
Kentucky State Police Captain Joe Williams, of the Special Investigations Division-East, echoed these sentiments. “These people are doing it for money, but other people are dying.”
The attempt to arrest street-level dealers began at 8 a.m. from five locations across the Fifth Congressional District. Most of those wanted are believed to have received prescription medications – primarily OxyContin, Lortab and Methadone – from out-of-state distributors. Several of the cases resulted in arrests for the sale of marijuana.
UNITE and local law enforcement agencies arrested two people in addition to the original list of suspects while serving arrest warrants.
One woman was arrested in Clay County for attempting to destroy evidence and resisting arrest as officers executed a warrant at a residence on Curry Branch Road. Another woman was arrested after police discovered a working meth lab at a home on Ash Moore Road in Oneida.
Assisting with Monday’s arrests were officers from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland Police Department, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Hazard Police Department, Letcher County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Lynch Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Morehead Police Department, Neon Police Department, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Prestonsburg Police Department, and Whitesburg Police Department.
The following 63 people were arrested by Operation UNITE as of 5 p.m. on Monday, November 20.
Clay County
• Gib Botkins, age 72, Greasy Road, Manchester, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Kenneth Wayne Bowling, age 53, Crane Creek Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana over 8 ounces but less than 5 pounds.
• Daniel Brown, age 32, Chop Bottom Road, Manchester, second-degree possession of a controlled substance and two counts trafficking in marijuana.
• Lisa Brown, age 25, Williams Road, Manchester, two counts trafficking in marijuana.
• Amanda Brumley, age 37, Green Street, Manchester, first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Carl Helton, age 40, Ash Moore Road, Manchester, two counts manufacturing methemphetamine, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense, trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces second offense, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
• Christy Helton, age 38, Ash Moore Road, Oneida, manufacturing methamphetamine.
• Charles Henson, age 35, Matt Henson Road, Oneida, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• James Henson, age 26, Crawfish Road, Manchester, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Roger Jarvis, age 24, Estep Lane, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and trafficking in marijuana.
• Sondra Jones, age 26, Gregory Branch Road, Manchester, tampering with physical evidence. She was also charged by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office with resisting arrest and fourth-degree assault.
• Edward Roberts, age 31, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense.
• Amos Sizemore, age 36, Beech Creek Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana over 5 pounds.
• Carolyn Guth Sizemore, age 44, Bales Creek Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Mary Lou Sizemore, age 59, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense.
• Monroe Sizemore, age 67, Greasy Road, Manchester, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and persistent felony offender.
• Ramona Sizemore, age 32, Beech Creek Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana over 5 pounds.
• Bertha Spurlock, age 56, Hogskin Road, Manchester, six counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• William Ward Turner, age 58, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
Floyd County
• William Williams, age 46, Fannin Lane, Prestonsburg, first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
Harlan County
• Derrick Hall, age 22, Fairchild Street, Cumberland, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
Lawrence County
• Edna Fletcher, age 41, Poorhouse Road, Louisa, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, and trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Sonny Fletcher, age 22, Poorhouse Road, Louisa, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
Leslie County
• Edwin D. Morgan, age 34, Highway 421, Hyden, two counts first-degree obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.
Letcher County
• Wayne Back, age 30, Ash Street, Partridge, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Connie Birchfield, Ash Street, Partridge, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Chris Boggs, age 27, Highway 160, Linefork, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Patricia Bowling, age 51, Highway 75, Blackey, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Hargus Brown, age 46, Highway 160, Linefork, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Dessie Cornett, age 25, Highway 160, Linefork, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Suzan Geuder, age 28, Eolia, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Deborah Lewis, age 27, Highway 806, Eolia, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Anna Maggard, age 30, Highway 119, Partridge, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Eddie Nease, age 33, Highway 119, Partridge, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Patricia Osborne, age 37, Highway 1195, Eolia, trafficking in a simulated substance.
• Brittany Potter, age 21, Barnhill Road, Jenkins, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Beverly Profitt, age 25, Escort Drive, Whitesburg, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Bessie Smith, age 27, Oak Ridge Road, Eolia, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Douglas Surber, age 37, Partridge, two counts trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Ricky Thornsberry, age 35, Highway 160, Gordon, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and two counts trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Bertha Turner, age 65, Ingrams Creek, Linefork, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
Martin County
• Lori Dials, age 42, Route 292, Warfield, second-degree possession of a controlled substance and third-degree possession of a controlled substance.
Perry County
• Gary Baker, age 43, Laurel Mountain Road, Yerkees, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Ouida Campbell, age 42, Entertainment Drive, Hazard, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
• Melvin Caudill, age 28, Whitey Lane, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Rocky Caudill, age 40, Walker Branch Road, Hazard, five counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Roger D. Combs, age 27, Sharon Rose Road, Hazard, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, third degree trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of marijuana.
• Dustin Coots, age 23, Hominy Mill Road, Hazard, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Winston Dunn, age 59, Raccoon Creek Road, Hazard, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Dwight Eversole, age 40, Jarnigan Place, Hazard, five counts unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
• Timothy Jent, age 37, Sam Campbell Branch, Krypton, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and theft by unlawful taking under $300.
• Selena Jones, age 23, Gorman Hollow, Hazard, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Tedrick Little, age 32, Highway 28, Gays Creek, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Cathy Maggard, age 31, Kentucky River Detention Center, Hazard, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Lanny D. Myers, age 35, Brashear Drive, Hazard, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Greta Napier, age 24, Whitey Lane, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Harold Neace, age 58, Coral Drive, Dice, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Rebecca Walls, age 29, Walkertown Housing, Hazard, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
Pike County
• Steve Coleman, age 43, Island Creek, Pikeville, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Roger Greer, age 65, Island Creek, Pikeville, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Kimberly Mullins, age 36, Island Creek, Pikeville, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Ronald Keith Music, age 37, Island Creek, Pikeville, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of marijuana less than 8 ounces, prescription drugs not in original container.
Rowan County
• Scotty Johnson, age 32, Flemingsburg Road, Morehead, first-degree possession of a controlled substance.

Traffic stop leads to drug arrest, recovery of stolen UNITE shirt
HYDEN – Floyd Dean Shannon Begley’s decision to speed on Interstate 75 Tuesday afternoon has cost him much more than a speeding ticket.
The 28-year-old Leslie County resident was arrested Wednesday on drug charges. In addition, Begley faces a possible federal weapons violation charge and state charges for receiving stolen property.
Also arrested was Begley’s 27-year-old girlfriend, Heather Smith, who was charged with second-degree hindering apprehension.
The series of events leading to the arrests began along I-75 about 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 28.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Monte Owens, from Post 7 in Richmond, conducted a routine traffic stop on Begley’s vehicle as it sped along the interstate.
When Trooper Owens approached Begley he was wearing a camouflage green Operation UNITE shirt complete with law enforcement emblems. When asked about the shirt Begley said it had been given to him by his uncle who worked for UNITE.
After being cited for driving 15 miles per hour over the speed limit Begley was allowed to continue on his journey.
“Upon further investigation by the KSP it was learned that Begley does not have an uncle who works for UNITE and that the shirt had been stolen from one of our detectives within the last month,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE law enforcement director.
“At this time there is no evidence to indicate that Begley ever attempted to impersonate a UNITE officer,” Smoot noted, adding he did not try to pass himself off as a police officer when stopped by Trooper Owens.
Additional investigation revealed that Begley was wanted by Clay County officials on a 2004 indictment warrant for first-degree possession of a controlled substance (OxyContin).
About 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, UNITE detectives accompanied by troopers from KSP Post 13 in Hazard, went to Begley’s residence on Highway 421 in the Rockhouse community of Leslie County to serve the outstanding warrant.
“Smith, who lists the same address, lied to officers about Begley being at home,” Smoot said.

Two dozen drug dealers targeted in Morgan Co.
WEST LIBERTY – A seven-month investigation in to street-level drug dealing in Morgan County has resulted in indictment warrants for two dozen people.
“OxyContin, Morphine and Percocet were the most commonly purchased drugs,” said Paul Hays, deputy law enforcement director for UNITE. “We also found some cocaine and Lorcet.”
Detectives from UNITE were joined Wednesday morning by law enforcement officers from the West Liberty Police Department, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service and Kentucky State Police in an effort to arrest those indicted on drug charges.
“Sheriff Mickey Whitt and Chief Kelse Hensley were a tremendous help throughout this investigation and we applaud their cooperation,” Hays said. “Because of their assistance we have been able to build solid cases against these individuals.”
Operating from the West Liberty Police Department, more than 20 officers began the round-up about 6:30 a.m. As of 1:30 p.m. they had located 16 of the wanted suspects.
After being processed at the police department, the men were taken to the Rowan County Detention Center while the women were lodged at the Carter County Detention Center.
“The individuals we are seeking today represent only a part of the drug problem in Morgan County,” Hays noted. “We encourage citizens to report suspicious activity to our drug tip line – 1-866-424-4382.”
Those arrested were:
• Victor Arnett, age 43, Carrie Street, Hazel Green (Wolfe County), second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Teresa Caldwell, age 24, Route 460, West Liberty, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Herbert Cantrell, age 31, Route 460, West Liberty, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jacob Deaton, age 30, of Vest Branch, Ezel, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• James Ferguson, age 40, Hickory Road, West Liberty, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Claude D. Hollon, age 27, Gilmore Road, Hazel Green (Wolfe County), first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Jeffrey Howard, age 19, Wells Hill Road, West Liberty, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jake Ison, age 19, Route 1000, West Liberty, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Ritchie Jones, age 42, Route 460, West Liberty, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jeffrey Keeton, age 26, Broadway Street, West Liberty, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• James D. LeMaster, age 29, Wells Hill Road, West Liberty, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Shawn Rowe, age 21, River Road, West Liberty, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Raymond L. Spencer, age 52, Liberty Street, Ezel, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Christine W. Taylor, age 66, Liberty Street, Ezel, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Stacy Thornberry, age 22, Route 460, West Liberty, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• James “Mike” Williams, age 26, Liberty Street, Ezel, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Second Verda drug ‘hot spot’ targeted
EVARTS – When Operation UNITE launched its first “Operation Hot Spot” initiative in the Verda community of Harlan County this past July, residents approached law enforcement officials to say there was a problem “on their side of the creek” as well.
As a result, on Thursday, November 9, UNITE targeted 13 suspects for arrest following a three-month undercover investigation.
“There is absolutely no question that had the citizens not come forward with information about drug dealing in their community these individuals would still be operating out in the open,” said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE.
According to Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force, most of the individuals congregated near the bridge at Jones Creek to sell drugs. “Most of what we purchased during our investigation was OxyContin,” he noted.
More than two dozen law enforcement officers from eight agencies participated in Thursday’s round-up.
Following a briefing at the Masonic Lodge about 9 a.m., officers from UNITE, the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and police departments in Benham, Cumberland, Evarts, Harlan and Lynch set out to serve 12 arrest warrants and one search warrant.
During execution of the search warrant police found approximately $1,000 in cash, a variety of various strength Methadone wafers and several Lortab pills, Cunigan said.
As of 3 p.m. seven people had been taken into custody and lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center, Cunigan said, adding three others are in jail on other charges and will be served with the new arrest warrants in the next day or two.
The area targeted by Operation UNITE Thursday was just a short distance from Mine Camp Road, where 18 drug dealers were targeted for arrest on July 14.
The initiative, entitled "Operation Hot Spot," first seeks to reclaim drug-infested neighborhoods by eliminating the dealers, then follows up on the high-profile effort with UNITE’s other two equally important components – education and treatment.
During a community meeting held at the Verda Baptist Church on July 18, citizens began the process of implementing programs to ensure drug dealers know they would no longer be tolerated.
“We will continue doing whatever we can to help people reclaim their communities from drug-dealing,” Smoot said. “These residents do not have to fight this battle alone.”
Those arrested or in jail Thursday are:
• Elizabeth Cozart, age 31, of Jackson Lane, Evarts, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• James Ronnie Farley, age 21, of Tan Trough Hollow, Jones Creek, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Janie Fox, age 39, of Jones Creek, Evarts, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Mark Jones, age 44, of Mine Road, Verda, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Randy Lewis, age 24, of Jackson Lane, Evarts, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Tammy Mills, age 45, of Jones Creek, Evarts, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Bill Napier, age 52, of Highway 38, Cotes, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Troy Napier, age 32, of Cawood Branch Road, Jones Creek, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Randy Perry, age 31, of Hendrix Lane, Evarts, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Tina Britt Smith, age 35, of Middleton Addition, Evarts, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Perry man receives 155 months on drug, weapons charges
LONDON – A Perry County resident convicted on federal drug charges earlier this year was sentenced to 155 months in prison in U.S. District Court in London on Thursday, November 16.
Martin Coots, 46, of Puncheon Camp Road in the Leatherwood community, was arrested on May 20, 2005, as part of a drug round-up conducted by Operation UNITE.
Following a July 2006 trial a federal court jury found Coots guilty of possession with intent to distribute more than 1,000 marijuana plants and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Operation UNITE began its investigation in February 2005 with the purchase of marijuana from Coots at his residence.
Three months later UNITE detectives, assisted by the Kentucky State Police and Perry County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at the home during a county-wide round-up of suspected dealers.
During the search officers located 1,233 marijuana plants in an outbuilding next to the home, approximately 4 pounds of processed marijuana and a set of scales inside the residence. In addition, two pistols and a rifle were discovered in the home and a second rifle was found in the outbuilding near the marijuana.
The round-up made national news later in 2005 when it was included in a Country Music Television show called “Small Town Secrets.”
Confiscated Items Pic Here

One of UNITE’s ‘most wanted’ fugitives nabbed during Floyd drug round-up
PRESTONSBURG – An Eastern Kentucky man who had eluded Operation UNITE detectives for more than two years was arrested Wednesday, November 1, during a round-up of drug suspects in Floyd County.
Anthony R. Conn, 21, who currently lives on Jackson Drive in the Johnson County community of Sitka, was apprehended while working at a strip mine in Allen.
“We received a tip that Mr. Conn was driving a sludge truck at a mining operation,” said Lee Weddington, manager of UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force. “With assistance of officers from the Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement we were able to stop him on Allen Banner Road.”
Conn, who was listed as one of UNITE’s “Most Wanted” fugitives, had eluded detectives since being indicted on October 2, 2004. He is charged with one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methadone).
In addition to Conn, seven of 13 suspects sought in Wednesday’s round-up had been located by noon and lodged at the Floyd County Detention Center. The arrests culminated an investigation that lasted approximately eight months.
Approximately a dozen law enforcement officers from the Prestonsburg Police Department, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement and Kentucky State Police Pikeville Post participated in the operation.
Those arrested Wednesday were:
• Judith M. Bailey, age 24, Cliffside Apartments, Prestonsburg, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Aubert Clevenger, 23, Town Branch, Prestonsburg, two counts trafficking in a controlled substance and persistent felony offender.
• Anthony R. Conn, age 21, of Jackson Drive, Sitka, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• James Kevin Hughes, age 27, of Ivy Creek, Ivel, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Patricia Shepherd, age 35, of University Drive, Prestonsburg, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and persistent felony offender.
• Wornald David Slone, age 35, of Jockey Hollow in Auxier, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• David Stevens, age 48, University Drive, Prestonsburg, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• William Williams, age 45, of Fannin Lane, Prestonsburg, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

BeattyVille Officials
Beattyville officials accept a check from proceeds of state and federal drug-related cases during a ceremony in Hazard on Friday, October 20.
Presenting the funds were, from left, Assistant United States Attorney
Roger West, Kentucky State Police Captain Joe Williams, Fifth District Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers, UNITE Executive Director Karen Engle, UNITE Law Enforcement Director Dan Smoot, and London Drug Enforcement Agency Resident Agent Kyle Scott.

Law enforcement agencies receive proceeds from drug case forfeitures
-- A list of departments and the amounts received is attached --
HAZARD – More than $209,000 in asset forfeiture funds derived from illegal drug activity was distributed to local law enforcement agencies by Operation UNITE on Friday, September 20.
Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers presented checks to 24 city police and county sheriff’s departments who have participated with UNITE’s law enforcement branch by sponsoring officers. Funds were distributed based upon the length of the agency’s participation.
Participating agencies agree to sponsor one or more officers to work as a UNITE detective. The officers, who must go through an application and review process, remain a member of the sponsoring department. UNITE reimburses the department for his or her salary and fringe benefits.
“UNITE’s drug investigative task forces would be unable to function without the strong support of local police agencies,” said Dan Smoot, director of law enforcement. “These officers have made tremendous progress in taking drug-dealers off the streets.”
The money – a total of $209,130.96 – represents 100 percent of forfeited funds awarded by state and federal courts since the inception of UNITE’s law enforcement initiative in January 2004 through September 30, 2006. None of the proceeds have been retained by UNITE and will go back into communities to fight illegal drug activity.
Funds were distributed during a special reception and ceremony held at the Hal Rogers Forum in Hazard.
Forfeited assets may be cash or personal property seized as proceeds of illegal drug activity or because it was used to facilitate a crime. The assets are kept until a judge orders them either returned to the owner or ordered them forfeited.
“Being able to seize assets is an effective way to take the profit motive out of crime,” Smoot said. “Supporting participating agencies by returning these proceeds is one way for UNITE to say thanks.”
The investigative arm of UNITE is comprised of 40 detectives, which includes a six-person Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit to investigate individuals who illegally sell legitimate prescriptions, engage in “doctor shopping,” exceed the 30-day purchase limit of pseudoephedrine – the main ingredient in manufacturing methamphetamine – or complaints of illegal activity by medical professionals.
Detectives have jurisdiction throughout all 29 counties in the Fifth Congressional District.
Through September 2007 UNITE detectives have:
• Arrested 1,578 individuals
• Placed 2,990 criminal charges
• Achieved a 99.2 percent conviction rate
• Dismantled 42 methamphetamine labs
• Had 50 cases adopted for federal prosecution
• Removed or seized drugs with a street value of $6,342,715.92, including 46,104 pills, 18.968 pounds of cocaine, 11.217 pounds of methamphetamine, 102.075 pounds of processed marijuana, and 4,138 marijuana plants.
• Investigated 11,152 calls made to the Drug Tip Line (1-866-424-4382).

UNITE Asset Forfeiture Awards
October 20, 2006

Law Enforcement Agency         Amount received
Beattyville Police Department             $14,461.55
Bell County Sheriff’s Office             $9,316.39
Corbin Police Department             $8,938.70
Cumberland Police Department $2,390.00
Harlan County Sheriff’s Office             $1,175.88
Harlan Police Department             $7,868.02
Hazard Police Department             $14,461.55
Jackson Police Department             $14,461.55
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office $9,316.57
Laurel County Sheriff’s Office             $10,258.02
Letcher County Sheriff’s Office $402.36
London Police Department             $10,258.02
Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office $9,316.57
Menifee County Sheriff’s Office $9,316.57
Manchester Police Department $10,258.02
Martin County Sheriff’s Office             $13.42
Morehead Police Department             $8,141.75
Owingsville Police Department             $733.75
Owsley County Sheriff’s Office             $14,107.48
Perry County Sheriff’s Office             $14,461.55
Pike County Sheriff’s Office             $7,094.82
Prestonsburg Police Department $8,893.97
Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office $9,022.90
Whitesburg Police Department $14,461.55

Total Amount Awarded $209,130.96

Seven agencies recognized for contributions to UNITE anti-drug efforts
HAZARD – Seven law enforcement agencies have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to Operation UNITE’s anti-drug efforts in the Fifth Congressional District.
The awards were presented during a reception at the Hal Rogers Forum in Hazard on Friday, October 20, to distribute funds forfeited from illegal drug activity.
Three agencies received the UNITE “Soaring Eagle Award” for unconditional support as a “parent” law enforcement agency for UNITE detectives -- Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, London Police Department and Perry County Sheriff’s Office.
“These departments have exhibited a strong belief in our mission,” said UNITE Law Enforcement Director Dan Smoot. “Not only have they been willing to contribute detectives, but also office staff time to process administrative paperwork.”
Three agencies received UNITE’s “Above and Beyond” award in recognition as an outstanding partner to UNITE’s law enforcement task force -- Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, Hazard Police Department, and Menifee County Sheriff’s Office.
“They volunteer to support and assist our detectives in any way that they can,” Smoot said.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s London Resident Agency office received the UNITE “Circle of Excellence” award in recognition of an agency that has gone out of their way to participate in and support UNITE law enforcement efforts.
“DEA has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with UNITE,” Smoot noted. “The bulk of the $209,000 in asset forfeiture funds that we distributed today are the direct result of joint investigations between UNITE and the DEA.”
Many of these joint investigations begin as an investigation of street-level drug dealing, Smoot explained. “As we work our way up the ladder and identify mid- and upper-level dealers we notify the DEA. They bring additional resources into the investigation in order to make good cases. Then we jointly work the targets.”

Perry County community target of second UNITE ‘Operation Hot Spot’ initiative
HAZARD – A new Operation UNITE effort to reclaim drug-infested neighborhoods reached into the western Perry County community of Busy on Thursday, October 5.
Just before 2 p.m., several dozen law enforcement officers from five agencies descended upon the area off KY 451 armed with arrest warrants for 15 suspected drug dealers and search warrants for three properties.
Within a few hours 11 of those sought had been arrested, a fugitive taken into custody, and two others cited for possession of marijuana. Most of the arrests were related to the illegal sale of Methadone.
The initiative, known as “Operation Hot Spot,” seeks first to eliminate drug dealers then give community members tools and information they need to keep their neighborhoods drug-free.
A community meeting to discuss concerns and rally residents together will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, October 20, at Willard Elementary School on Big Willard Road in Busy.
“Residents had become fed up with all this illegal drug activity in their neighborhood,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE’s director of law enforcement. “There was so much traffic in this area that it was even causing problems for school buses and parents at the school.”
“Giving youth an opportunity to grow up in a safe, drug-free environment is one of the main reasons for this whole initiative,” said Paul Hays, UNITE’s deputy director of law enforcement. “We hope school officials, churches and others in the Busy community will spread the word and attend the community meeting.”
After gathering for a briefing at the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center, officers swiftly and simultaneously descended upon several locations in the Busy/Yerkes area, including an area bar. Participating with UNITE in the joint operation were members of the Hazard Police Department (including their K-9 unit), the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement.
Search warrants were executed on three homes on Whitey Lane off Snatch Creek Road. The problem had become so pervasive that at least four vehicles drove up while officers were executing the search warrants.
“One of the drivers admitted she was there to purchase Xanax, but was allowed to leave after no drugs were found in her car,” Smoot said. “We did issue citations for possession of marijuana to two other women after several small bags of marijuana were confiscated from their vehicle.”
Following a search at the home of Clonnie Lyn Caudill UNITE detectives confiscated a small quantity of pills believed to be Xanax along with marijuana and cash believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales, Smoot added.
This is the second time UNITE has utilized Operation Hot Spot. On July 14 law enforcement officers descended upon the Verda community of Harlan County, arresting 16 of 18 individuals and executing two search warrants.
Since July the community has rallied in support of UNITE’s anti-drug effort.
“Community members have expressed excitement to know their concerns had not gone unnoticed. They are empowered by the knowledge they now have an opportunity to clean up their community and once again make it a safe and enjoyable place in which to live and raise their families,” said Karen Engle, UNITE’s executive director.
“Operation UNITE will work with the Verda and Busy communities to implement a Neighbors UNITED program (similar to Neighborhood Watch), begin a Court Watch program, and identify how to keep their children from experimenting with drugs,” Engle continued. “While much work remains, the first steps have been taken.”
“We will continue to do whatever we can to help people in their communities fight these drug dealers, and together, we can reclaim the neighborhoods,” Smoot said.
Arrested by Operation UNITE on drug-trafficking warrants Thursday were:
• Josh Baker, 21, Big Willard Road, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jason Begley, 28, Whitey Lane, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Clonnie Lyn Caudill, 47, Whitey Lane, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Lester Lee Collins, 54, Coal Harbor Lane, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Katherine Calista Eversole, 27, Highway 451, Yerkes, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Lisa F. Gross, 44, Big Willard Road, Yerkes, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Charles Harrison “Chuck” Hamblin, 54, Big Willard Road, Yerkes, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Charles Harrison Hamblin, 24, Jess Fields Lane, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Billie R. Helton, Snatch Creek Road, Hazard, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Blue Jean Huff, 49, Highway 451, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Bobby Sturgill, Coal Harbor Lane, Busy, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
In addition to those above, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38-year-old Joyce Eversole of Coal Harbor Lane, Busy, on bench warrants for 12 counts of failing to appear for theft by deception or possession of a forged instrument charges.
Those arrested were lodged in the Perry County Detention Center after being processed at the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center in Hazard.

Drug shipment intercepted; 2 arrested
CUMBERLAND – Two Southeastern Kentucky residents were arrested last week after law enforcement officials intercepted a large shipment of prescription pain pills headed to Harlan County.
Detectives from Operation UNITE discovered 248 80 mg OxyContin pills and $583 in cash after the suspects’ car was stopped in a multi-agency effort on Friday, September 15.
“On the street these pills would have sold for more than $29,000,” noted Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force. “These men are believed to be ‘mules’ for a major drug dealer in the Tri-City area. Had we not received the tip, these pills would have been delivered and then sold throughout the region.”
Charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance were 19-year-old Kevin Michael Mcilquham of Big Jakes Branch in Gordon, Kentucky (Letcher County) and 21-year-old Daniel Shaw Sharp of Union Street in Clutts, Kentucky (Harlan County). Mcilquham was also charged with driving under the influence of drugs.
Cunigan said Operation UNITE received information that the OxyContin pills were being brought into the area from Lexington by Mcilquham in a maroon Pontiac Grand Prix.
Four UNITE detectives, along with the assistance of two Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officers, two officers from the Cumberland Police Department, a deputy with the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office and a Kentucky State Police trooper, set up observation points “on every entry point to Cumberland,” Cunigan said.
About 4:30 p.m. one of the KVE units spotted the vehicle on U.S. 119 near Cumberland and conducted a traffic stop.
After receiving permission to search the car, officers discovered the pills in a bag hidden under an ashtray.
Both men were arrested and taken to the Harlan County Detention Center.
Cunigan said the investigation into the distribution ring is continuing and additional arrests are possible.

1) “Marijuana” – Several small bags of marijuana were confiscated from two women who drove up to a residence on Whitey Lane as law enforcement officers were conducting a search of the property.
2) “Xanax&Pot” – Police found a small quantity of pills, marijuana and cash at the home of Clonnie Lyn Caudill during a search of his home on Whitey Lane Thursday.

Two felons arrested for OxyContin trafficking
HAZARD – Two men, both on probation for drug trafficking convictions, were arrested Friday, October 6, by Operation UNITE.
Police seized 332 OxyContin pills with a street value more than $22,000 and $8,630 in cash after executing search warrants at homes in the Hardbury Community of eastern Perry County.
Arrested were 51-year-old Jerry D. Delaney of Jakes Fork Road and 72-year-old Delvin Caudill of Hardburly Road. Both were charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second or subsequent offense.
UNITE detectives, with assistance from the Hazard Police Department, executed the search warrants about 10:30 a.m. at the residences located off KY 1146.
Police found 21 40mg OxyContin tablets at Delaney’s residence. They confiscated 271 40mg OxyContin tablets, 40 80mg OxyContin tablets, and all the cash at the home where Caudill was staying.
Delaney is currently on state probation for a felony drug trafficking conviction on a UNITE case and has a second drug trafficking conviction.
Caudill is also on state probation for a felony drug trafficking conviction on a UNITE case and has a previous federal drug trafficking conviction.
“These cases will be turned over to a federal grand jury because of the large quantity of pills and because they are considered career felony offenders,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE’s director of law enforcement.
Both Delaney and Caudill were lodged in the Perry County Detention Center

Magoffin man charged with cocaine trafficking
SALYERSVILLE – More than one-quarter ounce of cocaine was recovered following the arrest of a Magoffin County man on drug trafficking charges.
Following a lengthy investigation by Operation UNITE, law enforcement personnel arrested 60-year-old Willis Porter around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 26.
Three UNITE detectives, Magoffin Sheriff Bob Jordan and one of his deputies went to Porter’s home on Porter Road near Royalton to serve arrest warrants for one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (cocaine) and trafficking in marijuana more than 5 pounds, said Lee Weddington, manager of UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force.
Porter gave officers permission to search his home. They discovered marijuana seeds, more than $1,000 in cash and a .44 Magnum handgun.
Weddington said after Porter was arrested between one-quarter and one-half ounce of cocaine was found in his pocket. Porter was subsequently charged with second-degree possession of a controlled substance.
Porter was taken to the Johnson County Detention Center.
The investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected.