BARBOURVILLE, KY - The Knox County Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at approximately 11:50 pm, Knox County Deputy SGT Jesse Smith responded to a complaint of a man walking around outside a residence on KY 2418 in Barbourville.
The caller also stated they did not know the person.
When SGT Smith arrived at the residence, he observed a man standing next to a pickup with the doors open.
Seized contraband from Merida arrest (Knox County Sheriff's Department)
After approaching the truck, the sergeant observed a bag containing syringes and a bag of suspected marijuana on the driver’s seat. He also observed a box containing (3) three clear plastic bags of suspected methamphetamine totaling approximately (20) twenty grams on the passenger seat.
Sgt. Smith arrested 44-year-old James C. Merida of Flat Lick, KY.
James Merida was charged with:
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance-1st Degree
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Marijuana
James Merida was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
