Police spot wanted Kentucky man, arrest him sparking investigation into child abuse, drug charges

A state police trooper spotted a suspect wanted for arrest last week and arrested him, kicking off an investigation that led to multiple arrests on child abuse, drug trafficking and other charges.

On Wednesday, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers observed Oscar Farley, age 32 of Burkesville, outside of his residence on Veterans Street in Burkesville.

The Troopers knew Mr. Farley and were aware he had a warrant for his arrest. Mr. Farley attempted to flee into the residence upon seeing the Troopers however, they were able to apprehend him. While speaking with him, the Troopers observed Mr. Farley’s small child in the residence in less than satisfactory living conditions. Mr. Farley was arrested for the probation violation warrant and left his child in the care of Dewey McCoy, age 41 of Burkesville.

Troopers left the residence and went to the Cumberland County Dispatch Center to turn over custody of Mr. Farley to a transportation officer. While there, Troopers saw a car approaching and stopped near them. Tamara McCoy, age 33 of Burkesville, exited the vehicle and approached the Troopers in an aggressive and disorderly manner while holding her small child. Troopers were able to safely secure the child, with a family members assistance, and placed Ms. McCoy under arrest. Both were lodged in the Adair County Detention Center. Tamara McCoy was charged with the following charges:

Menacing

Disorderly Conduct – 2nd Degree

Resisting Arrest

Wanton Endangerment – 2nd Degree

Failure to Use Child Restraint Device in Vehicle

In coordination with a Kentucky Child Protection Services (CPS) investigation, Troopers obtained a search warrant for the residence on Veterans Street where they had been earlier. Upon execution of the search warrant, Troopers located suspected methamphetamine, various items of drug paraphernalia and, obtained further evidence of the poor living conditions for the three children that CPS had learned lived in the residence. The residence was unoccupied at the time the Troopers were there.

On the evening of June 13, 2024, Troopers obtained arrest warrants for Dewey McCoy, Tamara McCoy, and Oscar Farley charging all three individuals with the following:

Endangering the Welfare of a Minor (3 Counts)

Wanton Endangerment – 1st Degree (3 Counts)

Criminal Abuse – 1st Degree – Child Under 12 (3 Counts)

Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Methamphetamine)

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Later in the evening, Troopers gained information on a possible location for Dewey McCoy. Troopers arrived at a residence on Spring Branch Road in Burkesville and made contact with the homeowner, Brandon Polston, age 39 of Burkesville. Also at the residence were Dewey McCoy and Matthew Riley, age 55 of Burkesville. The homeowner gave the Troopers consent to search the residence. A search of the residence produced approximately 6.2 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, 18 grams of marijuana, and 128 dosage units of Suboxone. Also located during the search were cash and drug paraphernalia.

Dewey McCoy, Brandon Polston, and Matthew Riley were arrested and lodged in the Adair County Detention Center. All three have been charged with the following:

Trafficking Controlled Substance – 1st Degree – Greater than 2 Grams

Trafficking Marijuana – Less than 8 Ounces

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

In addition to the above charges, Dewey McCoy was also charged with the following charges as well:

Trafficking Controlled Substance – 2nd Degree – Greater than 20 Dosage Units

Prescription/Controlled Substance not in Proper Container

The arrest warrant referenced earlier was also served on Dewey McCoy at the residence. Also, the arrest warrants obtained earlier for Tamara McCoy and Oscar Farlee were served on them at the Adair County Detention Center. The investigation is ongoing by Senior Trooper Brandon Poole. He was assisted by Senior Trooper Trevor High, Sergeant Kenny Brown, Burkesville Police Department, and Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.