PINEVILLE, KY - The Bell County Ky. Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Sunday, morning December 15, 2024 at 1:50 am the Bell County Sheriff’s Department and Middlesboro Police Department were conducting an authorized safety checkpoint on Highway 25E at the Cumberland Gap Tunnel.
Stopped at the checkpoint was 32-year-old Elizabeth Veach of Middlesboro driving a 2007 Ram pickup truck. In the passenger seat was 34-year-old Jacob McCullough also of Middlesboro.
Veach presented her license to K-9 Deputy Keith Fuson who recognized her and knew she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was asked and gave consent to search her vehicle, McCullough was removed during the search.
Deputy Hunter Luttrell observed that McCullough was exhibiting behavior consistent with being manifestly intoxicated. He was asked if he had any weapons in his possession and began to reach into the lower middle of his back. After refusing to show his hands he was taken to the ground as he was, he threw a baggy to the ground. He was also seen with evidence of consuming narcotics to conceal or destroy them.
Inside the vehicle in the passenger side door was a baggy with a crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine opened with a partial amount on the ground.
Also found was a purse containing: Two scales with residue, a container with approximately 18.75 grams of a crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine, hypodermic needles, two constricting medical bands, a small baggie with suspected Heroin/Fentanyl, and cash.
This was consistent with trafficking in narcotics while crossing state lines.
Both Elizabeth Veach and Jacob McCullough were arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.
They were charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine)
- Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense – (greater than 2 grams Methamphetamine)
- Possession of controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Heroin)
- Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st offense (Heroin)
- Importing Heroin
Veach was also served her outstanding warrant.
Also assisting on scene was Middlesboro Officer Jacob Quillen.
