Clay County drug roundup nets several arrests - WKYT

MANCHESTER, Ky. (WYMT) - Law enforcement officials were out this morning looking for alleged drug offenders in Clay County. As of early this afternoon, police had made 18 arrests based on 24 drug indictments. Law enforcement officials say the roundup was aimed at curbing Clay County's prescription drug crisis.

Clay County police agencies joined forces to round up alleged drug offenders Tuesday, leading to a rough morning for some.

"I was asleep on the couch and they come and got me, and thought I was dealing in drugs and stuff," said Shannon McQueen, one of the people arrested.

The roundup was the result of an eight month investigation by Manchester Police, the Clay County Sheriff's Department and Operation UNITE. Law enforcement officials we talked to say their message is clear.

"You know if you don't want to be in jail for the holidays, then you need to not be selling illegal drugs, because we're going to be looking at you," said Paul Hays, deputy director of Operation UNITE.

More than 20 trafficking indictments were issued in the countywide sweep. Officials say pot and pills have become a serious problem.

"Some people think it's the easy way out, easy money to obtain prescription drugs and sell them out here on the street, but it's ruining a whole generation," said Patrick Robinson, assistant police chief with the Manchester P.D.

They say kids need to know drugs are not an option.

"We want to urge our youth to grow up in an environment where it's healthy and wholesome, where they can get a good education, where they can have success in their life," said Hays.

Officials say Tuesday's roundup is a small step in fighting the larger drug problem in Clay County.

More indictments are expected in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information can call Operation UNITE's drug tip line at 1-866-424-4382.

Those arrested were:

• James O. Acker, 45, Curry Branch Road, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, and second-degree persistent felony offender.

• Roy Boggs, 45, Twin Poplar Road, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, and two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Juliet Gregory, 29, Lovers Leap Road, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Sherry Hall, 43, Bridge Street, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Jerry Hinkle, 56, Richmond Road, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.

• Tony L. Hinkle, 19, Richmond Road, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.

• Danny W. Kilgore, 36, Lovers Leap Road, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Ronnie Lawson, 58, Beach Creak Apartments, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Kenna R. Marcum, 35, Oak Street, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Shannon McQueen, 30, Bowling Street, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, and one count trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces, first offense.

• Randy L. Napier, 46, Liberty Road, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Jeffery A. Pennington, 48, Cedar Street, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Billy Ray Sams, 51, Crawfish Road, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Bill Stanley, 40, Highway 80, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense, and prescription drugs not in proper container, first offense.

• Jerry Travillion, 45, Caudill Gap Road, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, and one count each first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense, and trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces, second offense.

• Betty Wagers, 55, Bridge Street, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Clifford Wagers, 41, Curry Branch Road, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

• Randy Wagers, 44, Curry Branch Road, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense.

Officials were continuing their search for the remaining suspects.