BARBOURVILLE, KY - The Knox County Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Sunday, March 19, 2023, Deputy Jesse Smith was patrolling the Moore Creek area and observed a black 2003 Ford Ranger swerving in the roadway. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle which finally pulled over in a driveway.
Deputy Smith states that upon contact with the driver, 63 year-old Dennis Baker of Piqua, Ohio, he could smell a strong odor of Marijuana and in plain sight was a set of digital scales along with a burnt glass smoking pipe. Also in plain sight was a clear plastic container with a crystal-like substance inside believed to be Methamphetamine.
After Baker was asked for and gave consent to search the vehicle, Deputy Smith located in the floor board a blue round pill believed to be Fentanyl.
In the center console was found an orange jar containing what was believed to be Marijuana and in the passenger seat was a glass dish with a crystal-like substance and a suspected Marijuana cigarette.
Mr. Baker was arrested and transported to the Knox County Detention Center.
Dennis Baker was charged with:
- Trafficking in controlled substance - 1st degree, 2nd offense of greater - greater than 2 grams (Methamphetamine)
- Trafficking in controlled substance - 1st offense (Carfentanyl or Fentanyl derivatives)
- Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz) - 1st offense
- Careless driving
- Buying/possession drug paraphernalia
This individual was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Knox County Detention Center.
Photo of seized contraband is from the Knox County, KY Sheriff's Department.
