2 face drug charges in McCracken County

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. (KBSI) – Two men were arrested in McCracken County Tuesday afternoon after a drug investigation.

Michael K. Creech, 46, of Butler Lane in McCracken County faces two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine 2nd or subsequent offense, trafficking in opiates 2nd or subsequent offense, possession of drug paraphernalia and a parole violation warrant.

Mark Bates, 53, of North View Street in Paducah faces a charges of fugitive from justice (Texas warrant).

Detectives received information earlier in the month alleging that 46-year-old Michael Creech was once again selling methamphetamine in multiple western Kentucky counties. Drug detectives were familiar with Creech and had arrested him on numerous occasions.

Drug detectives conducted an investigation that involved purchasing crystal methamphetamine from Creech, according to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.

They obtained two search warrants for home in the Farley area of McCracken County.

Detectives learned that Creech was wanted on an outstanding parole violation warrant. On January 23 just after 2 p.m., detectives found and arrested Creech during a traffic stop on Clarks River Road.

Detectives executed two search warrants at two separate homes located at 155 and 185 Butler Lane in McCracken County.

When detectives arrived on Butler Lane, they found 53-year-old Mark Bates of Paducah. He was arrested on an unrelated warrant out of Texas.

Detectives found and seized approximately 115 grams of crystal methamphetamine, Hydrocodone pills, Oxycodone pills, assorted drug paraphernalia, and $3,800 in cash believed to be proceeds of illegal drug sales.

At the time of his arrest, Creech was on parole for a 2021 conviction for trafficking in methamphetamine.

Creech and Bates were taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

Deputies say additional arrests are likely in this case.