September 19,2008

Separate Drug Investigations Lead To Multiple Drug Trafficking Charges

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department Drug Division began working on two separate investigations on the afternoon of 09/16/08 that had been ongoing for the past several months.

The first investigation involved a male subject by the name of Gary W. Taber. Taber was arrested by the McCracken County Sheriff's Department Drug Division on 06/03/08 for Possession Of Cocaine and Drug Paraphernalia. That case is currently pending in the McCracken County Circuit Court. After Taber was released on bond sheriff's detectives began receiving information that Taber was back involved in the illegal drug trade. Surveillance on Taber ensued for several weeks. On 09/16/08 at approximately 15:14 detectives observed Taber in the area of North 5th Street and Madison pacing back in forth between North 5th and 6th Street on his cell phone. Based on training and experience detectives believed that Taber was awaiting a delivery. A short time later detectives observed a tan SUV pull up to Taber and he entered the vehicle. The vehicle proceeded west on Madison and turned left onto North 6th Street to the corner of North 6th Street and Monroe. At this point Taber exited the vehicle and began walking East on Monroe. Sheriff's detectives approached Taber to investigate the suspicious activity and observed him throw a quantity of Cocaine onto the ground just over a small fence. The Cocaine was recovered and Taber admitted that he had just purchased the Cocaine from the driver of the SUV adding he was getting the Cocaine for another individual whom had provided the money to make the Cocaine purchase. Other Sheriff's Detectives stopped the SUV at this point and discovered the vehicle to be driven by Derek C. Early AKA D-Nice. Early also admitted to detectives that he had just completed a Cocaine transaction with Taber. While the roadside investigation was taking place detectives observed Early's 15 year old daughter attempting to conceal a set of digital scales that her father had requested that she hide as he was getting stopped by detectives. The scales were recovered and both Early and his daughter were transported to the McCracken County Sheriff Department. A search of the vehicle revealed $3860.00 in US currency.  Family was contacted to pickup the child and Early was arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

Several complaints were received by sheriff's detectives from citizens in the lower town area who was trying to prevent this type of activity from occurring in there neighborhood. These calls assisted sheriff's detectives in tracking the illegal activity that these individuals were engaged in.

ARRESTED: Taber, Gary W.        52 years of age
                      Of Madison Street

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Cocaine)
                    Possession Of A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Cocaine)
                Tampering With Physical Evidence
                    Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Offense

ARRESTED:  Early, Derek C.              32 years of age
                       Of Creekview Drive

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Cocaine) Second Offense
                    Tampering With Physical Evidence
                    Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia Second Offense
                    Wanton Endangerment Second Degree

Early was currently out on Felony Parole on Cocaine trafficking charges. Trafficking In Cocaine 2nd Offense is a Class B Felony and punishable up to 20 years in prison.

In a completely separate investigation sheriff's detectives had been investigating Cocaine trafficking out of a motel room located at the Denton Motel in Lone Oak over the past several months. The ongoing investigation lead to a search warrant being obtained for room # 222. On 09/17/08 at approximately 00:35 McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Detectives executed the search warrant and located Dante R. Gregory inside the room. A search of the room revealed a quantity of Ecstacy (date rape drug) inside a coffee pot, approximately 21 grams of Crack Cocaine hidden inside a kitchen cabinet, a loaded 38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver that was determined to be stolen that was hidden in a closet, Cocaine residue digital scales, Marijuana, and approximately $2915.00 in US Currency. Gregory was arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail. Detectives are aware of another male subject in whom is also involved in the illegal drug activity that had been occurring at the motel. A further investigation will be ongoing concerning this individual and an arrest is expected to ensue in the near future.

ARRESTED: Gregory, Dante R.     30 years of age
                      Lone Oak Road

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Cocaine)
                    Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Ecstacy)
                Possession Of A Handgun By A Convicted Felon
                    Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense
                    Possession Of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces
                    Receiving Stolen Property (Firearm)

END OF RELEASE

DET. SGT. MATT CARTER
MCCRACKEN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT DRUG DIVISION