Now, an update from the City of Prestonsburg Police Department:

 

On March 9th, Prestonsburg Police Det. Brad Caldwell and Ptl. Dennis Hutchinson received information that an unknown male subject known only as “Florida Alexander” was distributing a significant amount of dangerous drugs in Floyd, Johnson, and Lawrence Counties. We began corroborating the information provided and were able to confirm the facts of the matter.

 

On March 10th, additional, very specific information was received that the male was on Kentucky Route 321 at a local convenience store selling these drugs in a light blue Plymouth car. 

 

Undercover units verified the vehicle was in the area and began surveillance. 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 was removed from the vehicle and arrested.

 

Franklin Penix, 26, of West Van Lear, Sarah Moore, 36, of Louisa, and Doris Strickland, 47, 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.

 

All three were arrested and lodged in the Floyd County Jail on charges including:

 

Trafficking Methamphetamine

 

Trafficking Opiates

 

Trafficking Fentanyl

 

Tampering with Physical Evidence

 

Promoting Contraband, 1st degree

 

“We are absolutely not going to tolerate this poison in our community.” Chief Randy Woods said. “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” he continued.

This arrest potentially saved multiple lives and resulted from a tip from an individual who was concerned about its distribution. You can call us anonymously any time at 886-1010.