PINEVILLE, KY - The Bell County Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Wednesday night October 26, 2022, during an approved checkpoint on Highway 217, Bell County K-9 Sgt. Adam Southern observed a 2002 black Chevy Impala with the driver 47-year-old Ronald Williams of Coldiron, not wearing a seatbelt.
Upon conducting a traffic stop, Williams failed to provide proof of valid insurance and a driver’s license. He was also seen continuously moving around inside of the vehicle, along with his passenger 66-year-old James Gilbert of Loyall, KY, in what appeared to be an attempt to hide something.
In order to conduct safety pat down, Sgt. Southern then asked Williams to exit the vehicle. K-9 Chan was then deployed and alerted to the driver side exterior door.
Also on scene was Sgt. Frank Foster who assisted in searching the vehicle where he located a small pistol tucked in between the driver’s seat/center console and a rifle laying across the floorboard in the back.
Sgt. Southern then located:
- A small bag of crystal substance believed to be Methamphetamine
- A small bag of white powder believed to be Fentanyl
- One syringe with residue
- $27,859.00 in cash loosely stuffed in a black bag and a CHEEZ-IT box
Deputy Southern then confirmed through dispatch that both Williams and Gilbert were previously convicted of multiple felonies. Dispatch also confirmed the rifle to be stolen.
Arrested was: The driver 47-year-old Ronald Williams of Coldiron, Ky and his passenger, 66-year-old James Gilbert of Loyall, KY
Ronald Williams and James Gilbert
Ronald Williams was charged with:
- Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia
- (2) two counts of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
- Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 2nd offense or greater (less than 2 grams – Methamphetamine)
- Importing Carfentanil, Fentanyl, or Fentanyl Derivatives,
- Receiving stolen property (firearm)
- Failure to wear seatbelts
- Operating vehicle with expired operator’s license
- No insurance
He was also served with a bench warrant for multiple motor vehicle violations.
James Gilbert was charged with:
- Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia
- (2) two counts of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
- Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 2nd offense (less than 2 grams – Methamphetamine)
- Importing Carfentanil, Fentanyl, or Fentanyl Derivatives
Both men were lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.
Also assisting during the incident was Bell County Chaplain Ricky Dorton.
All photos are from the Bell County Sheriff's Department.
