Located after Laurel Sheriff's K-9 Deputy Jake Miller's K-9 “Maverick” alerted to the presence of Narcotics
LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Detective Allen Turner along with Deputy Jamie Etherton arrested one adult and took a juvenile into custody on Wednesday morning August 18, 2021 at approximately 9:30 AM.
The arrests occurred while Sheriff's investigators were conducting an unrelated drug investigation in southern Laurel County off West Cumberland Gap Parkway.
During the investigation of subjects in a business parking lot and patrons in the business, deputies developed information and located an adult female and a male juvenile in possession of suspected Methamphetamine after Laurel Sheriff's K-9 Deputy Jake Miller's K-9 “Maverick” (left) alerted to the presence of narcotics there.
As the investigation continued Sheriff's investigators located:
- Approximately 9 1/2 pounds of suspected Methamphetamine
- 15 firearms (four of which have been determined to be stolen)
- Approximately 1000 Fentanyl pills
It is believed that the drugs are cartel related and were being moved from Atlanta Georgia to Syracuse New York by the two suspects who were traveling through Laurel County and were intercepted by Laurel Sheriff's investigators.
The two suspects who are now charged were identified as:
Katelynne M. Thomas age 30 of Fair Street, Ithaca, NY charged with:
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Theft of a firearm
A 17-year-old male juvenile from Brooktondale, New York charged with:
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
- Possession of firearm by a convicted felon
- Theft by unlawful taking – firearm
Thomas was lodged in the the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of accused attached is courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
The 17-year-old male juvenile was turned over to the court designated worker for disposition.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) will be looking at the remaining firearms to determine if any additional ones are stolen.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root (right) stated that drug investigations and arrests will continue in Laurel County. He noted that this seizure of 9 1/2 pounds is the largest seizure of Methamphetamine that he can recall in Laurel County.
Photo of seized drugs and weapons provided by Deputy Gilbert Acciardo.
Assisting on the investigation for the Laurel County Sheriff's office were:
- Laurel County Sheriff John Root
- Maj. Chuck Johnson
- Lieut. Chris Edwards
- Detective Richard Dalrymple
- Detective Brad Mitchell, Detective Bryon Lawson
- Detective Taylor McDaniel
- Detective Robert Reed
- Deputy Landry Collett
- Deputy Justin Taylor
- K-9 Deputy Jake Miller and his K-9 “Maverick”
- Deputy Brent France
- Deputy Jamie Etherton
- Detective Allen Turner who is the case officer
Also assisting was London City Police Officer Dillion Blair.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root additionally stated that the investigation continues.
