A months-long drug trafficking investigation led by the Owensboro Police Department resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of narcotics, firearms, vehicles, and cash following an operation carried out across Daviess County on Thursday, authorities say.
According to a release, OPD’s Emergency Response Team served search warrants at residences in the 6400 block of Valley Brook Trace in Masonville, the 11000 block of Gore Road in Utica, and the 2500 block of KY 554 in Utica.
Additional search warrants were executed at secondary locations in the 2100 block of Summer Walk, the 3800 block of Mark Twain Court, the 1000 block of East Byers Avenue, the 300 block of East 21st Street, and the 3400 block of Old Hartford Road in Owensboro, as well as the 9600 block of U.S. 231 in Utica. The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with serving a warrant in the 12000 block of KY 1414 in Ohio County.
Investigators reported seizing “a significant quantity” of illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, along with nearly 30 firearms, vehicles, currency, and other property believed to be connected to the drug trafficking activity.
OPD reported that the following individuals were arrested in connection with the investigation:
- Tyler English, of Masonville, was charged with engaging in organized crime, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
- Matthew Roberts, of Utica, was charged with engaging in organized crime; trafficking in marijuana greater than five pounds (enhancement – while armed); possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (enhancement – while armed); and possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (enhancement – while armed).
- Johnathan Biever, of Utica, was charged with engaging in organized crime; trafficking in marijuana between eight ounces and less than five pounds (enhancement – while armed); and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Kobey Morgan, of Owensboro, was charged with engaging in organized crime and trafficking in marijuana greater than five pounds (enhancement – while armed).
- Gregory Watson, of Owensboro, was charged with engaging in organized crime; trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (methamphetamine); trafficking in marijuana between eight ounces and less than five pounds (enhancement – while armed); cultivating marijuana (less than five plants); possession of drug paraphernalia; and tampering with physical evidence.
- Stephanie Taylor, of Owensboro, was charged with possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (cocaine); possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (methamphetamine); trafficking in marijuana (less than eight ounces); and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Dylan Pate, of Ohio County, was charged with trafficking in marijuana greater than five pounds (enhancement – while armed); possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (Schedule I and II); and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Authorities say the operation involved coordinated efforts from OPD’s Street Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division, and Emergency Response Team, with assistance from task force officers with the DEA and IRS, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, the Owensboro Fire Department, and Daviess County Central Dispatch.
OPD said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected.
