05/02/2026
Multiple arrests made for drug trafficking.
HCSO and Cumberland PD round up several individuals on Harlan Circuit Court indictments totalling 9 warrants served, 1 new drug trafficking arrest and 1 new felony possession of methamphetamine on 6 total individuals.
On May 1st deputies and probation and parole officers responded to a residence in the tri city area to attempt to serve multiple warrants. After entry was made into the residence 1 subject was found hiding under a bed while a 2nd subject was found hiding in a bedroom.
Michael Johnson of Cumberland was arrested by Deputy Chauncey Tudor and served with a Harlan Circuit Court indictment for trafficking in controlled substance 2nd or more offense methamphetamine. Johnson was also arrested on a probation violation warrant and a child support warrant.
Kristi Howard of Cumberland was arrested by Officer Salena Painter and charged with a Harlan Circuit Court indictment for trafficking in controlled substance 2nd or more offense methamphetamine. Howard was also arrested on 5 additional warrants. Deputy Kenny Helton and Officers Zach Goins and April Brock assisted on the arrest.
On 4-28 while conducting an indictment round up with the Cumberland Police Department, Tina Sparks was arrested by Deputy Jesse Howard. During the arrest Sparks had in her possession suspected controlled substances, drug paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking and US currency. Sparks was charged with trafficking in controlled substance 3rd degree.
On 4-27 Linda Wynn of Kenvir was arrested by Deputy Jesse Howard on a Harlan Circuit Court indictment for trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree methamphetamine.
On 4-16 Hannah Kirby of Verda was arrested by Deputy Jacob Rich on a warrant of arrest for trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree methamphetamine.
On 4-28 HCSO and the Cumberland Police Department conducted a round up of individuals recently indicted in the Cumberland area.
Tina Sparks was arrested by Deputy Jesse Howard for fraudulent use of a credit card and additionally charged with trafficking in controlled substance as listed above.
Patricia Davidson was arrested by Deputy Chauncey Tudor for fraudulent use of a credit card and possession controlled substance 1st degree 3rd or more offense methamphetamine.
Brad Florek was arrested by Cumberland Police Department Officer Aaron Smith and charged with trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree methamphetamine, trafficking in controlled substance 3rd degree and drug paraphernalia buy/possess.
Leisha Long was arrested by Cumberland Police Department Officer Aaron Smith and charged with 2 counts of possession controlled substance 1st degree methamphetamine, 2 counts of possession controlled substance 2nd degree, drug paraphernalia buy/possess, prescription controlled substance not in proper container, possession controlled substance 1st degree 3rd or more offense and criminal littering.
Howard Roberts was arrested by Cumberland Police Department Officer Paul Bailey and charged with flagrant non support and contempt of court.
Skyler Cornett was arrested by Deputy Chauncey Tudor and charged with robbery 1st degree and unlawful imprisonment.
In other arrests:
On 4-21 deputies attempted to serve multiple warrants in Dayhoit when the subject fled on foot to a nearby river. Deputies pursued the subject on foot into the river and found the subject attempting to hide against a tree.
Justin Gilbert was arrested by Deputy Jacob Rich and charged with fleeing or evading the police 3rd degree and with 5 active warrants for various charges. Deputy Rich was assisted by Sergeant Cody Bargo and by officers of the Harlan Police Department.
On 4-16 Kenneth Ward of Pansy was arrested by Deputy Gabe Lewis on a Harlan Circuit Court failure to appear warrant on charges of trafficking in controlled substance carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives, possession controlled substance 3rd degree, drug paraphernalia buy/possess and persistent felony offender.
On 4-8 Taylor Perkins of Cawood was arrested by Deputy Jacob Rich on a state parole board warrant, a Harlan Circuit Court indictment for multiple counts of forgery, criminal possession of a forged instrument, theft by deception and persistent felony offender. Perkins was also arrested on a Laurel County warrant of arrest for theft.
On 4-6 while on patrol in the Baxter community Deputy Jesse Howard conducted a traffic stop for traffic violations. Through investigation it was determined the operator was impaired and he was arrested for DUI. Through further investigation suspected controlled substances were located along with drug paraphernalia.
Thomas Carr was arrested by Deputy Jesse Howard and charged with DUI, possession controlled substance 2nd degree, drug paraphernalia buy/possess and with traffic violations.
On 4-4 deputies Jesse Howard and Ryan Kilgore made contact with a subject in the Dartmont community. Through investigation suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located.
Brent Pace was arrested by Deputy Jesse Howard and charged with possession controlled substance 1st degree methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia buy/possess.
On 4-4 around 1 am deputies made contact with a female subject in Dayhoit. Through investigation it was determined the subject was impaired and arrested for public intoxication. Through further investigation suspected methamphetamine was located on the subject.
Keirsten Suttles was arrested by Deputy Jeremy Jones and charged with possession controlled substance 1st degree methamphetamine and public intoxication. Deputy Jones was assisted by Deputy Kevin Davis.
On 4-2 while on patrol in the Verda community deputies made contact with a subject in the roadway. Through investigation suspected methamphetamine was located on the subject.
Charles Penny was arrested by Deputy Jacob Wilcher and charged with possession controlled substance 1st degree methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia buy/possess and public intoxication.
