Six arrested after monthlong drug trafficking investigation in McCracken County
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A monthlong drug trafficking investigation led by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in six arrests, the seizure of nearly 278 grams of methamphetamine and thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds, according to authorities.
Investigators said the operation targeted methamphetamine trafficking networks in western Kentucky and southern Illinois throughout June.
Detectives identified Richard Joiner, 55, of Brookport, Illinois, as an alleged supplier of methamphetamine after investigating reports that he was distributing ounce quantities of the drug in Kentucky and Illinois. Authorities said detectives conducted a controlled purchase of about 83 grams of methamphetamine before obtaining an arrest warrant.
Joiner was arrested by the Massac County Sheriff’s Office, extradited to McCracken County on June 29 and charged with second or subsequent trafficking in methamphetamine. He remains in the McCracken County Regional Jail.
On Tuesday, detectives executed three search warrants at separate locations in McCracken County and Paducah.
At a residence on Tenne Vue Drive, investigators arrested Laronda Winstead, 47, and Michael Ward, 45, after recovering about 15 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales and other drug paraphernalia. Winstead is charged with second or subsequent trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ward is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Later that evening, detectives executed a search warrant at a hotel on Cairo Road, where they arrested Jacob Ormes, 41, of Paducah. Authorities said they recovered about 60 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and drug paraphernalia. Ormes, who was also wanted in Illinois on a failure-to-appear warrant, 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.
Shortly before midnight, detectives executed a third search warrant at an apartment on Holt Road, arresting Cory Daniels, 42, and Laura Shelby, 38. Investigators said they recovered about 120 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $4,680 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking. 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 drug paraphernalia.
In total, investigators said they seized approximately 278 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, drug trafficking paraphernalia and $4,680 in suspected drug proceeds.
The investigations remain ongoing, and authorities said additional arrests and charges are possible.
The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
