Paducah Woman Late To Court Leads To Cocaine Trafficking Charges

On July 7, 2008 Eritrea L. Cooper of Paducah was two hours late for her court time. District Judge Tony Kitchen held Cooper in contempt of court for her tardiness and sentenced her to serve four hours in the McCracken County Regional Jail. A short time later detectives learned that Cooper had left several juveniles in her vehicle unattended in the parking lot of the courthouse. Detectives brought the children into the courthouse and notified the Department Of Social Services to assist with the investigation.

Detectives with the McCracken County Sheriff's Department Drug Division were familiar with Cooper as she had been alleged to be engaged in illegal drug trafficking. Detectives had been investigating these allegations over the past few weeks. The investigation revealed that Cooper's vehicle which was parked in the courthouse parking lot contained Cocaine and money. Chief Deputy Mike Turnbow assisted with the investigation by utilizing the departments narcotic detection K-9 "Aaron" to sniff the car. "Aaron" alerted on the trunk area of the vehicle and resulted in a search of the vehicle. A search of the trunk revealed over 10 grams of Crack Cocaine that was packaged in individual bags suspected for sale along with over $6600.00 in US Currency. In another purse inside the vehicle detectives located what was believed to be a drug ledger that contained gram and money amounts.

Detectives continued with the investigation into the evening which lead to a search warrant being obtained and executed at Coopers residence located at 618 Oaks Road. The search warrant was executed on 07/08/08 at 19:14. A search of the residence revealed a purse that matched the smaller purse that was recovered from the vehicle that contained the Cocaine and currency. Detectives also located a partial box of 9mm ammunition hidden in a wall inside the residence and other related items.

Cooper who was currently on Felony probation with the Department of Probation and Parole for Cocaine possession charges stemming from May of 2007.

Cooper was charged and placed back into the McCracken County Jail.

ARRESTED: Cooper, Eritrea L. 31 years of age

Of Oaks Road

CHARGES: Trafficking In Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Cocaine)

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Offense

Wanton Endangerment 2nd Degree

End Of Release

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division