Bell County Drug arrests: Three Face Charges
MIDDLESBORO — May 10, 2024 — Law enforcement in Middlesboro, Kentucky, arrested three individuals on Saturday following the finding of drugs and paraphernalia during a motel search. the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police, made the arrests at an Econo Lodge. The items seized included heroin and a perilous mixture containing the primary keyword, fentanyl, leading to multiple felony charges. For more details, read on.
Bell County Drug Arrests: Three Face Charges after Motel Search
MIDDLESBORO, Ky. — A multi-agency inquiry culminated in the arrest of three individuals in Bell County on Saturday, following the finding of suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia at a local motel. The Bell County Sheriff’s department, in collaboration with the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations unit, executed the operation that led to the arrests.
The Arrests
At approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday, law enforcement officials apprehended Ashlee Miller, 27, of Pineville; William O’Rourke, 45, of Kenvir; and Amanda Monday, 40, of Middlesboro. The arrests occurred at an Econo Lodge in Middlesboro, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Scene
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office detailed the events leading to the arrests. Deputies initially verified an active indictment warrant for Ms. Monday before approaching the motel room. Upon confronting the occupants, the suspects refused to come out
and were observed throwing baggies around the room.
A K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, and deputies subsequently observed drugs, needles, and baggies in plain view.
Evidence Seized
A thorough search of the motel room yielded a variety of items indicative of drug activity:
- Scales with residue
- Scoops with residue
- Small baggies used for packaging
- A loaded syringe
- Three baggies containing a suspected heroin and fentanyl mixture, weighing approximately 10 grams combined
- Multiple pills believed to be fentanyl
- Cash with suspected fentanyl residue
- Several used glass pipes
Did You Know?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Even a tiny amount can be lethal.
Charges Filed
All three suspects were transported to the Bell County Detention Center. The charges against them include:
- Two counts of possession of fentanyl – 1st degree
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – 1st offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl derivatives)
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – 1st offense (heroin)
- Possession of a controlled substance – 1st offense (Heroin)
- Two counts of possession of a controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of a controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (drug unspecified)
- Possession of a controlled substance – 3rd degree (drug unspecified)
- Buying or possessing drug paraphernalia
- Delivery/manufacture of drug paraphernalia
Along with the above charges, Ms. Miller was charged with failure to appear,Ms.Monday was charged with failure to wear seatbelts and failure to appear, and Mr.O’Rourke was charged with being a fugitive from justice.
Pro Tip: Understanding Drug Charges
in Kentucky, drug charges vary in severity based on the type and quantity of the substance, and also the intent of the individual (e.g., possession vs. trafficking). First-degree offenses typically carry the most severe penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is fentanyl?
- Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever.
- What does “trafficking” mean in this context?
- Trafficking typically refers to the illegal sale, transportation, or distribution of controlled substances.
- What is drug paraphernalia?
- Drug paraphernalia includes items used to produce, conceal, or consume illegal drugs.
