According to Captain Jonathan Holbrook with the Paintsville Police Department, on Saturday night April 14, 2018, officers with the Police Department were notified of possible illegal drug activity at one of the rooms at the Days Inn in Paintsville. Once Officers arrived at the business, Officers attempted to make contact with the occupant of the room, but could not locate the subject. A short time later, Captain Holbrook located the alleged subject, identified as Stephen Ferguson, who was walking on 9th Street. Captain Holbrook said he questioned Ferguson who denied having any illegal drugs and consented to having his room searched at the Days Inn. Officers searched the room and located several drug related items, as well as cash. Stephen Ferguson, 34 of Thealka was arrested and charged with the following:
1) Drug Paraphernalia (Buy/Possess
2) Possession of Controlled Substance, 3rd Degree (Drug Unspecified
3) Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense (2 grams Methamphetamine
4) Tampering with Physical Evidence (Ferguson tried to flush some items in the toilet)
Ferguson was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. Paintsville Officers at the scene were Captain Jonathan Holbrook and Officers Brian Runyon and Zach Mitchell.
