Two arrested on meth-related charges in separate Graves County incidents

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — Two people were arrested on methamphetamine-related charges over the weekend following separate incidents in Graves County, according to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office.

On Saturday at about 11:05 a.m., deputies responded to a single-vehicle injury collision on KY 131 north of Kaler. Deputy Bobby Turner arrived and determined the individuals involved had left the scene. A witness provided descriptions of a man and woman who were seen walking south from the crash site.

Deputies later located the pair on Clarks River Cemetery Road in Kaler. The driver was identified as Steven F. Holmes Jr., 38, of Louisville. Holmes told deputies he had been involved in the crash but left before first responders arrived.

Investigators said Holmes was driving south on KY 131 in a 1999 Buick when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a driveway. Holmes sustained a minor head injury but declined medical treatment. A passenger, Katrina Snelling, reported no injuries.

Deputies returned the pair to the crash scene and determined Holmes was under the influence of a controlled substance, authorities said. During the investigation, deputies recovered methamphetamine, plastic bags, scales and other drug paraphernalia from a wooded area near the crash site. Additional methamphetamine and scales were found inside the vehicle. Deputies also reported finding a large amount of cash on Holmes.

Holmes was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second or greater offense; DUI, first offense; possession of drug paraphernalia; tampering with physical evidence; leaving the scene of a collision; and no insurance, first offense. He was taken to the Graves County Restricted Custody Center and later transferred to an out-of-county jail facility.

Deputy Turner was assisted by Deputy Zac Smith and Mayfield/Graves County EMS.

In a separate incident early Sunday, Deputy Austin Ramage conducted a traffic stop at about 2:50 a.m. on KY 131 near Granny Lane north of Symsonia. The driver was identified as Joanna Stewart, 59, of Paducah.

After field sobriety tests were conducted, Stewart was arrested on suspicion of DUI. A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in Stewart’s purse. Deputies also determined Stewart had an active bench warrant from McCracken County District Court.

Stewart was charged with traffic offenses, DUI, first-degree possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; and failure to appear. She was taken to the Graves County Restricted Custody Center and later transferred to an out-of-county jail facility.

Deputy Ramage was assisted by Deputy Andrew Prusaczyk.