Man arrested after deputies find 13 firearms, meth, drug paraphernalia

MELBER, Ky. (KBSI) – A Benton man faces drug charges in Graves County.

Lawrence “Larry” Sparks, 34, of Benton faces charges of possession of a controlled substance 1st degree, 2nd or greater offense – methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia – buy/possess, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and other drug offenses.

In the late evening hours of December 27, deputies from the Graves County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in the Melber community in reference to information that a convicted felon may have been in possession of several firearms.

Deputy Austin Ramage and Deputy Tyler Crane obtained and executed a search warrant on the home.

Their investigation yielded 13 firearms and as well as methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Sparks was convicted of possession of a controlled substance 1st degree – methamphetamine in 2022 in McCracken County.

On December 30, 2023, around 2 a.m., deputies were notified that Sparks had returned to the home where the search warrant had been served on December 27 and 28.

Deputy Austin Ramage and Deputy Tony Cornwell responded to follow up on the case and to try to find Sparks.

They found him and say he was in possession of more methamphetamine and other narcotics.

Sparks was arrested and released to the Graves County Jail on charges from Deputy Ramage’s initial investigation and the subsequent investigation from December 30.

Deputy Garret Clark, Deputy Peyton Jackson and Deputy Austin Caldwell also assisted with this case.