SOMERSET, KY - Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reported on Friday, January 31, 2025 that: Four individuals are in custody following a search warrant at a Somerset residence.
The incident began when Detectives with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division were conducting surveillance of a suspected drug trafficker at a residence on Ringgold Road.
While conducting surveillance, Detectives observed a male, Walter Blaine Smith, age 38, of Somerset in the entrance of the residence. Detectives discovered Smith had an active Pulaski County Circuit Court indictment for his arrest and approached the residence to arrest Smith.
Detectives knocked and announced with no response. Detectives forced entry into the residence and discovered numerous individuals inside. Detectives were initially unable to locate Smith, but discovered him in a hidden compartment inside of a closet.
While in the residence searching for Smith, Detectives observed cash lying on the floor, various drug paraphernalia, two handguns, and two bags of suspected Fentanyl.
Detectives applied for and received a search warrant for the residence. Upon searching the residence, Detectives located:
- Approximately (1) one pound of Methamphetamine
- ¼ ounce of Fentanyl
- Digital scales
- Two handguns
- Cash
- Various drug paraphernalia
Deputies located warrants on other individuals in the residence.
Following the initial investigation, the following four individuals were identified and taken into custody: Walter Blaine Smith II, age 38 of Somerset, KY, James Earl Martin, age 48, of Louisville, KY, David A. Letner, age 39, of Somerset, KY and Donald W. Jasper Jr., age 31, of Somerset, KY.
The arrested suspects were transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Walter Blaine Smith was charged with:
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree 2nd or greater offense (> or = 2 grams) (Methamphetamine) (Enhanced with firearm)
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 2nd Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivatives) (Enhanced with firearm)
- Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree 2nd or Greater Offense (< 2 grams) (Methamphetamine) – Pulaski Circuit Court Indictment
- Persistent Felony Offender – Pulaski Circuit Court Indictment
Photo of the accused courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center.
James E. Martin, age 48, of Louisville was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st or greater offense (> or = 2 grams) (Methamphetamine) (Enhanced with firearm)
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivatives) (Enhanced with firearm)
- Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
Photo of the accused courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center.
David A. Letner, age 39, of Somerset was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree Fentanyl – Pulaski County Circuit Court Indictment
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess – Pulaski County Circuit Court Indictment
- Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree Fentanyl – Pulaski County Circuit Court Indictment
Photo of the accused courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Donald Jasper, age 31, of Somerset was arrested and charged with the following:
- Failure to Appear – Pulaski County District Court Warrant
Photo of the accused courtesy of BustedNewspaper.com.
The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Trent Massey, with additional charges expected to follow.
The Narcotics Division was assisted on the scene by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Deputy Ronnie Golden, and Deputy Grant Bryant.
Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about drug activity or any crime to contact our tip line at 606-679-8477.
You can remain anonymous. You can also leave a tip on our webpage at PulaskiSheriff.com.
