Tip leads to arrests of Lawrence, Johnson residents in Prestonsburg

Two Lawrence County women and a Johnson County man were arrested Thursday in Prestonsburg after police said they found them in possession of 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 4.25 grams of fentanyl, and a variety of illegal pills, scales, and other paraphernalia used in the sale of illegal drugs.

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

PRESTONSBURG — Information received by police about a man distributing large amounts of drugs in Floyd, Johnson and Lawrence counties led to the arrests of three people from two of those counties Thursday in Prestonsburg.

Prestonsburg Police Det. Brad Caldwell and Ptl. Dennis Hutchinson received information Wednesday, March 9, that an unidentified man known only as “Florida Alexander” was distributing “a significant amount of dangerous drugs” in Floyd, Johnson, and Lawrence counties, the Prestonsburg Police Department said in a release.

“We began corroborating the information provided and were able to confirm the facts of the matter,” the release said, adding that “very specific information” was received Thursday that the man was on Ky. 321 at a local convenience store in Prestonsburg selling drugs in a light blue Plymouth passenger car.

“Undercover units verified the vehicle was in the area and began surveillance,” the release said. “Once the vehicle became stationary and the risk of flight was minimal, officers surrounded it. Captain Ross Shurtleff observed a male subject, later identified as Franklin Penix of West Van Lear, moving around erratically in the vehicle, opened the door and observed a large bag full of methamphetamine in Penix’s hand.”

Penix, who was removed from the vehicle and arrested, along with Sarah Moore, 36, and Doris Strickland, 47, both of Louisa, were all found to be in possession of 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 4.25 grams of fentanyl, and a variety of illegal pills, scales, and other paraphernalia used in the sale of illegal drugs, according to the release.

They were charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, opiates and fentanyl; tampering with physical evidence; and first-degree promoting contraband and lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

Prestonsburg Police Chief Randy Woods said his department is “absolutely not going to tolerate this poison in our community.”

“We’re going to build strong cases that will hold water and send the dealers to prison and get the users the help they need and deserve,” Woods said.

The arrests “potentially saved multiple lives and resulted from a tip from an individual who was concerned about its distribution,” the release said.

Citizens can report anonymous tips to the Prestonsburg Police Department at 606-886-1010.