6 arrested after month-long drug trafficking investigation in McCracken County
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. – Six people are facing charges after a month-long drug trafficking investigation in McCracken County, officials say.
According to a social media post by the McCracken County Sheriff’s office, authorities discovered a total of about 278 grams of methamphetamine, as well as thousands of dollars in cash, after executing multiple search warrants.
Authorities say detectives learned 55-year-old Richard Joiner of Brookport, Illinois was distributing methamphetamine in Kentucky and Illinois.
Detectives say they conducted a controlled purchase of about 83 grams of methamphetamine from Joiner in McCracken County, obtaining an arrest warrant.
Joiner was arrested and extradited to McCracken County. He remains at the McCracken County Regional Jail.
He faces a charge of trafficking in methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense.
On Tuesday, detectives say they executed three search warrants in separate narcotics investigations, leading to five more arrests.
Shortly before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, authorities say they searched a residence at 1135 Trenne Vue Drive in McCracken County. During this time, authorities say they arrested 47-year-old Laronda Winstead and 45-yaer-old Michael Ward after finding around 15 grams of methamphetamine.
The sheriff’s office says it also located digital scales, smoking pipes and other items associated with drug trafficking.
Later that night, detectives say they searched a hotel at 5106 Cairo Road in Paducah.
During that search, authorities say they arrested 41-year-old Jacob Ormes of Paducah, who was wanted in Illinois on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives found around 60 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Finally, detectives say they served a third search warrant just after 11 p.m. that night at 2621 Holt Road in McCracken County.
Authorities say they arrested 42-year-old Cory Daniels and 38-year-old Laura Shelby. While on site, authorities say they found 120 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and $4,680 in cash.
Sheriff Ryan Norman stated, “These investigations are another example of our detectives’ commitment to identifying and dismantling drug trafficking operations that threaten our communities. Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most destructive drugs affecting our region. We will continue working alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold drug traffickers accountable and protect the citizens of McCracken County.”
Winstead faces charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ward is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ormes is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Daniels is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Shelby is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of dug paraphernalia.
Additional arrests and charges are possible.
Anyone with information regarding illegal activity is encouraged to contact the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office at 270-444-4719 or submit an anonymous tip through West Kentucky Crime Stoppers by calling 270-443-TELL.
