Five people arrested after weekend drug bust on Slate Run

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 — Five people were arrested Saturday in the wake of a drug investigation of a residence at 139 Slate Run off Bloomfield Road in Bardstown.

On Saturday, Bardstown Officers Brad Gillock and K-9 Officer Jeremy Cauley were conducting surveillance of the Slate Run residence, attempting to locate two Bardstown residents with outstanding arrest warrants — Matthew Lewis, 32, and Tosha Bartley, 30. The officers were also aware of tips reporting the residence was actively involved in drug distribution.

While watching the residence, officers observed a man arrive in a silver Ford Focus. He entered the residence for a short time, then returned to his vehicle and left. The Flex team members asked deputy sheriffs A. J. Lewis and Mike Kaminski to stop the vehicle, which they did in the Fitness One parking lot.

The driver, Casey Heath, 19, and his passenger, Abigail Ritchie, 18, both of New Haven, were charged with possession of a controlled substance (heroin), possession of drug paraphernalia and license to be in possession. Ritchie was also charged with tampering with physical evidence after she admitted hiding syringes in her vagina.

Officers later obtained a search warrant for the Slate Run residence. During that search, William Bruce Bennington, 30, and Bartley arrived at the residence. Bartley was arrested on an indictment warrant for possession of controlled substances and complicity to the same; possession of drug paraphernalia and complicity to the same; and theft by deception. Bennington was arrest and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (heroin); trafficking in marijuana; possession of a controlled substance (heroin); possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; and receiving stolen property (firearm). He was lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

During the search, officers also learned the location of Matthew Lewis. Officers located him at the Super Inn on North Third St. where he was arrested on an indictment warrant for possession of controlled substances and complicity to the same and possession of drug paraphernalia and complicity to the same. He was lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

In the search of the Slate Run home, police seized two handguns, one of which was reported stolen; three rifles; ammunition; $452 in cash; digital scales and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation is ongoing, and police ask anyone with information to contact the Bardstown Police Department, (502) 348-6811 or Nelson County Dispatch, (502) 348-3211.

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