LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Detective James Sizemore, deputies and detectives along with a Sheriff's office K-9 team arrested two individuals off West Cumberland Gap Parkway approximately 9 miles South of London early Wednesday morning July 15, 2020 at approximately 3:18 AM.
The arrests occurred following an investigation conducted by Sheriff's detectives and deputies into suspected illegal drug trafficking in that area.
During the investigation, Sheriff's K-9 Deputy Gary Mehler along with his K-9 "Edge" conducted a walk around on a silver Buick four-door occupied by two suspects and alerted on the vehicle assisting investigators with locating drugs under the hood.
Investigators found a large quantity of Xanax, suspected Methamphetamine, unused needles, and other pills.
The two arrested individuals were identified as:
Shartuse Lyttle age 45 of North 5th St., Lexington, KY charged with:
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – third-degree – second offense
- Possession of a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – Methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Julia Helton age 38 charged with:
- Trafficking in a controlled substance – third-degree – first offense
- Possession of a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – Methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Tampering with physical evidence
These two individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photos of accused attached are courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Assisting on the investigation and arrests for the Laurel County Sheriff's office were: Detective James Sizemore, Sgt. John Inman, Deputy Landry Collett, Deputy Justin Taylor, K-9 Deputy Gary Mehler and his K-9 “Edge”.
Photo of contraband seized attached to this report.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root stated that the “war on drugs” continues in Laurel County.