LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root, London Police Chief Chuck Johnson, Knox County Sheriff Mike Smith, and Rockcastle County Sheriff Shannon Franklin are reporting that a joint investigation between their agencies, as part of the Laurel County Drug Interdiction Task Force (LCDITF), along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), resulted in dismantling a large-scale drug trafficking organization spanning several states that was supplying large amounts of crystal methamphetamine to Laurel and Clay Counties.
On June 6, 2024, after several months of investigation, the LCDITF executed a search warrant at the residence of Vernon Renus Delph, age 58, a convicted felon, at 71 Greg Lane, London, KY. Detectives recovered more than 11 lbs. of methamphetamine, 8 lbs. of marijuana, and seized 23 firearms. Additionally, over $15,000 and several vehicles were also seized as part of the investigation.
Detectives continued the investigation, identified the source of supply, and conducted a follow-on operation that resulted in the seizure of an additional 9 lbs. of methamphetamine in London, KY on June 20, 2024.
Seized methamphetamine (Laurel County Sheriff's Office)
L to R: Vernon Renus Delph, Jay Boykin and Caronda Tilman (Laurel County, Detention Center)
The June 20th operation resulted in the arrest of 2 more members of the organization, Jay Boykin, age 30 of Villa Rica, GA and Caronda Tilman, age 46, of Nashville, TN.
Detectives are continuing the investigation and additional indictments and arrests are anticipated.
These three individuals are lodged in the Laurel County, Detention Center.
Photos of the accused are courtesy of the Laurel County, Detention Center.
Seizure photos provided by the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.
