UPDATE: Man charged in alleged illegal drug operation at residence of missing 8-month-old

OHIO COUNTY, Ky. – New details are emerging surrounding connections to the family of a missing 8-month-old from Ohio County.

The Kentucky State Police says it has charged a man for his role in an illegal drug operation held at the residence of Miya Rudd, an 8-month-old who has gone missing.

According to the release, 28-year-old Brodie Payne of Reynolds Station, Kentucky was arrested in May. He is charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (greater than 2 grams of methamphetamine), trafficking of legend drugs, trafficking in marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, engaging in organized crime and first-degree wanton endangerment.

Authorities say Payne was served by KSP at the Daviess County Detention Center after the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit began a months-long investigation.

Troopers say Payne was using UPS during the drug trafficking operation.

Payne was arrested on May 20 after troopers say they found him with half a pound of methamphetamine and around three quarters of suspected fentanyl laced pills. Payne had been living at the Rudd household for about six months prior to being arrested, authorities say.

Troopers also arrested and charged another person connected to the family with drug crimes on Sunday. Timothy Roach, 37, was arrested while troopers conducted a search warrant at the home of the infant’s grandparents. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Four of the infant’s grandparents have been arrested as well, including 49-year-old Billie Smith, 56-year-old Ricky Smith, 53-year-old David Tucker and 50-year-old Taletha Tucker.

The infant’s parents were arrested as well. Troopers say Cage Rudd and Tesla Tucker have been uncooperative during the search for their 8-month-old child, Miya Rudd. Investigators say Miya Rudd was last seen by family members in April. So far, troopers have not been able to locate the baby, even after cadaver dogs were brought in to help the search.

The investigation is ongoing.