An update from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office:

 

Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff’s Deputy Tommy Houston along with shift Sgt. Brett Reeves arrested two individuals on Wednesday morning January 18, 2023 at approximately 8:58 AM. The arrests occurred at Walmart near Corbin in southern Laurel County after Walmart’s loss prevention team detained two suspects. 

 

When Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene they conducted an investigation and learned that allegedly the male subject had driven the pair to Walmart in a silver Ford Fusion. The female subject then entered the store and allegedly placed items in her pocket without paying for them totaling $156.50. 

 

During the course of the investigation the male subject was found in possession of suspected Xanax and gabapentin and further investigation determined that he was under the influence when he drove the pair to Walmart. The two arrested individuals were identified as:

 

• The driver -Eric Payne age 34 of JRS Dr., Somerset charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence – third offense; ignition interlock violation; two counts of possession of a controlled substance – third-degree; giving officer false identifying information; theft by unlawful taking – shoplifting $500 or more but under $1000.

 

• The female subject who entered the store was identified as: Jenny Collett age 23 of Corn Creek Church Rd., Corbin charged with theft by unlawful taking – shoplifting. In addition, this subject was charged on a Whitley District Court bench warrant of arrest charging failure to appear in court on numerous traffic and registration violations.

 

Both were Lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.