Internal investigation leads to trafficking bust at Kentucky detention center

POWELL COUNTY, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Numerous law enforcement agencies across Kentucky were able to thwart an alleged plot to smuggle narcotics into a Kentucky detention center.

In a news release on Tuesday, the Powell County Detention Center announced that Rex White and Antwan Earsery were both arrested for their roles in the smuggling scheme.

The detention center said Teddy Lacy, a jailer at PCDC, worked with area law enforcement, uncovered the plot, and worked to intercept the approaching contraband.

According to the release, a vehicle driven by Earsery was stopped on the Mountain Parkway and searched. Following the search, he was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

White was already in custody and had been charged with:

• Trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine)
• First-degree wanton endangerment
• First-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle)

“We’re just doing our job,” stated Lacy. “But I want to be very clear when I say to anyone who thinks they’ll be bringing drugs or any other type of contraband into our facility: We will find you, and when we do, you will face legal prosecution and all consequences permitted by law.”

Lacy cited his dedication to upholding the facility’s dedication to rehabilitation.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS

• Solarize Boyle initiative offers low-cost solar energy for Boyle County
• Residents make their voices heard ahead of business park construction in Georgetown
• Berea man accused of incest, rape of child

“We work hard to run a great facility here. We don’t just want to house people until their sentences are up; we want to see them change their lives. So anyone trying to derail someone’s success by bringing contraband into the Powell County Detention Center should think twice before trying it,” he added.

Lacy finished by praising and acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved in the arrests.

“I can’t say enough about our staff and the cooperation we have from our local departments. Officer Ryan Smith, Lt. Ian Morton, Chief Grant Faulkner from the Stanton PD, Trooper Jordan Barnett, and Sheriff Danny Rogers were instrumental in making this a success by working together. Powell County got it done today,” he concluded.

“We are fortunate to work in an environment where this kind of cooperation can happen so fluidly and with such a rapid response time. That kind of teamwork makes all the difference, and it did today,” said Morton, a Lt. with the Stanton Police Department.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.