Laurel County, Ky. - Laurel County Sheriff is reporting that: Sheriff John Root ,deputies, and detectives along with the Sheriff's Office K-9 teams conducted a county wide drug roundup "Operation March Madness" early Monday morning March 4th, 2019 seeking 26 individuals on state and federal drug trafficking and possession charges throughout Laurel County.
3 teams of sheriff’s deputies , assisted by the London Office of the DEA, A.T.F agents, the London Office of the U.S. Marshal Service ,Kentucky State Police, and Knox County Sheriff’s Office armed with arrest warrants based on undercover investigations conducted by Laurel Sheriff’s Detective James Sizemore and Detective Bryon Lawson along with DEA task force /Laurel Sheriff’s Detective Richard Dalryple and Detective Brad Mitchell arrested 15 suspects charging various Illegal Drug Trafficking and Possession offenses, and lodged them in the Laurel County Detention Facility.
In addition, 1 other person was arrested on other charges.
Additionally, 4 persons were arrested overnight on drug charges in Laurel County at various complaints investigated by Laurel Sheriff’s Deputies.
A total of 20 persons were arrested.
The roundup arrests were the result of a 3 month undercover investigation conducted by the Laurel County Sheriff's Office. Federal indictment warrants were also served.
Those suspects arrested are identified as:
- Megan Lynn Hill age 25 of Highway 233 Gray, KY charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine.
- Barbara J. Masters age 50 of South Highway 233, Gray, KY charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine.
- Johnny Robert Eads age 46 of Doctor Parker Ln., Gray, KY charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine.
- Charles L. Hensley age 38 of Cherry Ave., Corbin charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine.
- Joshua Leslie Cox age 35 of Skinner Rd., Woodbine, KY charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – second offense – methamphetamine.
- Nancy Ann Salyer age 34 of Highway 26, rock hold, KY charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine
- Brandi Jo Miller age 33 of Littontown Rd., East Bernstadt charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine.
- Stephanie Allen age 36 of North Mill St., London charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine.
- Susan Brewer age 38 of Horn Branch Rd., Woollum, KY charged with trafficking methamphetamine.
Also arrested and charged on federal indictment warrants:
- Johnny Craig Sasser age 54 of Riverside Loop, Lily charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
- George Griffey age 35 of McKinley Lane, Keavy charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
- James Woods charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
- Peggy Hoskins charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
- Ronnie Caldwell charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
Also arrested as law enforcement conducted their roundup of drug suspects were the following individuals :
In addition, four persons were arrested overnight on drug charges:
- Robert W. McWhorter age 37 of Highway 1376, East Bernstadt charged with possession of a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine. In addition, this subject was charged on a Laurel District Court bench warrant of arrest charging failure to appear in court on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence first offense and other violations. Arrested by Deputy Allen Turner and Deputy Travis Napier along with Detective James Sizemore.
- Steven D. Messer age 40 of Johnson Hollow, Gray, KY charged with trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia. – Arrested by Deputy Allen Turner, Deputy Travis Napier, along with Detective James Sizemore.
- Lee S. Saylor age 43 of Old Way Rd., London charged with possession of a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – methamphetamine; public intoxication – controlled substances; possession of drug paraphernalia – arrested by Deputy Allen Turner, Deputy Jamie Etherton and Deputy Travis Napier.
- Travis Lamonz Cannon age 38 of London charged with Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st offense—heroin—arrested by Deputy Allen Turner and Detective James Sizemore
Assisting on the arrests today were: 3 teams of officers headed by Sheriff John Root comprised of: Laurel Sheriff's detectives, deputies ,bailiffs, CSO's, Laurel Sheriff’s Officer K-9 Teams, U.S. Marshal Service- London Office, A.T.F., London Office of the DEA, Kentucky State Police, and Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrests will be continuing
When campaigning for Sheriff 9 years ago, John Root promised the voters that he would wage war on the drug dealers of Laurel County. He has kept that promise. Today's roundup of drug dealers continues to show Sheriff John Root's level of commitment to continue this pledge. His office has the full cooperation of Laurel County Attorney Jodi Albright and Laurel Commonwealth Attorney Jackie Steele as the Laurel County Sheriff's Office and Laurel county's prosecutors work side-by-side to eradicate the drugs which destroy the future of this county.
A total of 20 persons were arrested today. More arrests will occur as suspects are located.
Left: Heroin Right: Meth
Sheriff John Root stated that he wanted today's arrests of area drug traffickers to reemphasize his promise that his office will be continuing to
fight the "War on Drugs" as he promised citizens that he would.
Photos courtesy of Laurel Sheriff's Office, Laurel County Detention Center and Leslie County Detention Center.
