PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Pikeville Police conducted a large-scale drug roundup Friday, resulting in seven arrests on trafficking charges and the seizure of multiple weapons and stolen vehicles.
The operation, named “Initiis Novis” – Latin for “new beginnings” - focused on individuals suspected of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl within Pike County.
Authorities successfully executed 11 warrants stemming from sealed indictments, alongside four additional warrants served during the course of the sweep.Recovered items included five firearms, drug paraphernalia, a stolen motorcycle, a stolen camper, and a stolen U-Haul trailer.
While police have not publicly released the suspects’ names due to sealed court records, jail records identify those arrested as: Anthony Barron, 61, of Jenkins, charged with meth trafficking; Darren Bartley, 42, of Ratliffs Creek, facing two counts of meth trafficking and one count of being a persistent felony offender; Bridget Bolden, 50, of Powells Creek, charged with meth trafficking; Henry Cleaver, 48, of elkhorn City, facing three counts of fentanyl trafficking, two counts of meth trafficking, and four counts of being a persistent felony offender; James Elkins, 65, of Lick Creek, charged with three counts of cocaine trafficking; Joey Spears, 46, of Ratliffs creek, charged with meth trafficking; and Brian Young, 47, of Ratliffs Creek, charged with meth trafficking.
The Pikeville police Department stated the inquiry remains active and further arrests are possible.
