Traffic Stop Leads To Cocaine Trafficking Charge

Recently the McCracken County Sheriff Department began extra patrols in unmarked vehicles in efforts to serve as a deterrent to various crimes including drug trafficking and possession.

On May 17, 2008 at 01:33 a.m. McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Detectives were in a known drug trafficking area when they noticed a Red 1998 Ford pickup driving erratically (running several stop signs) and acting very suspicious. The suspicious activity began when detectives observed the vehicle pulling off to the side of the roadway shutting off the headlights and meeting other vehicles. This activity was consistent with someone transferring and or selling illegal drugs. Detectives continued monitoring the vehicle and eventually conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of North 9th Street and Monroe Street.

Upon approaching the vehicle it was found to be driven by Joshua K. Williams. A computer check of Williams license revealed his driving status to be suspended. A search of Williams person revealed him to be in possession of several thousand dollars of US Currency. A further search revealed just under 1 ounce (25.8 grams) of Crack Cocaine on Williams person. The Cocaine had a street value of over $2500.00.

While detectives were conducting the roadside investigation and after Williams was arrested his cell phone rang continuously. Detectives determined through multiple incoming phone calls that several different individuals were calling and requesting to purchase Cocaine ranging in prices from $30.00 to $100.00. Several of the phone calls were traced to different residence in the Paducah area and additional cell phones. Follow up investigations continued into the early morning hours. One of these individuals wanted to meet Williams and purchase $100.00 worth of Cocaine in an alley, in the Paducah area. Detectives went to the location in which the caller requested to meet. Upon detectives arrival to the location the individual that had requested to purchase Cocaine was interviewed by detectives.

Several of the phone calls that were made requesting to purchase Cocaine are pending further investigation.

" Drug traffickers are constantly changing there routine in efforts to avoid law enforcement detection. We are committed to and will make any necessary alterations to our investigative procedures while combating the illegal drug problem in Paducah, McCracken County" Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

Williams, who was currently out on felony parole, was charged and convicted for Trafficking In Cocaine 1st Offense in 2003.

Williams was arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

ARRESTED: Williams, Joshua K. 24 years of age

Of Glenn Street

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Cocaine) 2nd Offense

Disregarding A Stop Sign X's Three (3) Counts

Operating A Motor Vehicle On A Suspended License

Trafficking In Cocaine 2nd Offense is a Class B Felony and punishable up to 20 years in prison.

End Of Release

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division