Press Release
To: All News Agencies
From: Det. Sgt. Matt Carter
Date: Wednesday March , 2007
Re: Two people arrested and charged with drug trafficking and 1 for drug possession
An on going investigation that began several days ago lead to a Paducah man and an Illinois woman's arrest and charges for Marijuana trafficking. Another Paducah woman was arrested and charged with drug possession.
On 3-21-07 the McCracken County Sheriff's Department Drug Division who was assisted by the Kentucky State Police conducted a covert operation in a parking lot off of James Sanders Blvd at approximately 3:59 p.m. The operation consisted of a Marijuana purchase, approximately 4 ounces, from John R. Rowell Jr. Of Ellis Street in Paducah. When Mr. Rowell arrived at the location in question the vehicle was occupied and driven by Holly D. Word of Brookport. As the vehicle began to pull off the parking lot they were stopped and arrested by detectives.
Upon approaching the vehicle there was a very strong smell of burnt Marijuana coming from the vehicle. Both subjects later admitted that they had been smoking Marijuana in the vehicle shortly prior to our arrival. A search of the vehicle revealed several hundred dollars in US currency, controlled substance pills that were not in proper containers, additional Marijuana, and items of drug paraphernalia.
Both parties were arrested and transported to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department where interviews were conducted. Ms. Word admitted to McCracken Drug Detectives that she knew Mr. Rowell was going to the location in which they were arrested to conduct a Marijuana sale.
Arrested: Rowell Jr. John H. 29 years of age
Of Ellis Street in Paducah
Charges: Trafficking In Marijuana Over 8 Ounces Firearm Enhanced
Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense
Possession of Controlled Substance In The Second Degree (Lortab) 1st Offense
Possession of Controlled Substance In The Second Degree (Methadone) 1st Offense
Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Influence Of Drugs 1st Offense
Arrested: Word, Holly D. 37 years of age
Of Brookport IL
Charges: Complicity To Trafficking In Marijuana under 8 Ounces 1st Offense
Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense
Possession of Controlled Substance In The Second Degree (Lortab) 1st Offense
Possession of Controlled Substance In The Second Degree (Methadone) 1st Offense
Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Influence Of Drugs 1st Offense
The investigation was ongoing and lead into the early morning hours of 3-22-07. As a result of the investigation detectives determined that the Marijuana had originated from Mr. Rowell's residence which was located at 1103 Ellis Street. Detectives also leaned that the residence was occupied by Mr. Rowell's girlfriend (Tara Garrett). Based on this investigation and discovery a search warrant was subsequently executed at the residence (1103 Ellis Street) on 03/21/07 at approximately 22:53 (10:53 p.m.)
The residence was found to be unoccupied. A search of the residence revealed over 4 additional ounces of Marijuana, digital scales, controlled substance pills, legend drugs not in a proper container, items of drug paraphernalia, and a loaded 9 mm semi automatic handgun. A search for the additional resident (Ms. Garrett) was conducted which led detectives in locating her at her place of employment. Ms. Garrett returned to the residence with detectives and later admitted that she uses Marijuana adding that she was aware that the Marijuana was inside the residence. Ms. Garrett also admitted that she knew that the 9 mm semi automatic handgun was inside her residence.
Ms. Garrett was arrested and transported to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department and later lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail.
Arrested: Garrett, Tara L. 33 years of age
Of Ellis Street
Charges: Possession of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces Firearm Enhanced
Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense
Possession Of A Legend Drug
This investigation was a joint effort with the Kentucky State Police.
End of Release
Det. Sgt. Matt Carter
McCracken County Sheriff's Department Drug Division