Photos by Lisa Bicknell, CV&T Editor On Tuesday, August 5, the first day of school in Estill County, the entire Irvine Police Department descended upon Roses Body Shop in South Irvine to serve a search warrant. More than a dozen people were held for questioning. Some were released, but several were arrested and hauled to jail. Besides drug charges, they will be facing trafficking within 1000 feet of a school, also a felony.
By Lisa Bicknell, CVT News Editor
On August 5, 2014, the first day of school, the Irvine Police Department executed a search warrant at 810 South Irvine Road, or “Roses Body Shop,” which is within 1000 feet of the South Irvine Preschool/Kindergarten Center.
About a dozen people were detained for questioning. Some were let go, but at least seven arrests were made and more could be pending.
The body shop was under investigation for “high volume” drug trafficking, after controlled drug buys by confidential informants confirmed the drug activity.
A search warrant was issued,
and all members of the Irvine Police Department descended upon the body shop on Tuesday afternoon.
While conducting the search warrant, Jack R. Cockrell, 46, of 810 South Irvine Road, was found with 15 Neurontin (a legend drug), 3 Suboxone pills, and one Percocet. He had $294 in 20’s 10’s, 5’s and 1’s on him.
Video of previous drug buys caused police to believe Cockrell was in the process of selling the drugs. A cooperating witness purchased three Hydrocodone (Schedule 3 pills) and four Clonazepam (Schedule 4 pills) for $40 from Cockrell. The buy was audio and video-recorded.
During other controlled buys, a cooperating witness purchased Xanax bars, Oxycodone, Morphine and Percocet pills from Cockrell.
He was arrested and charged with five counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree; one count of trafficking in a controlled substance, 2nd degree; two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, third degree, trafficking in a legend drug and four counts of trafficking in a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school.
Cockrell’s bond was set at $100,000 cash.
During the search at Roses Body Shop, Officer John Sturniolo witnessed Thomas Scott Reeves, 35, of 2482 McKee Road, doing a hand-to-hand drug exchange. When Reeves was detained, 37 Suboxone pills, 15 Oxycodone , and eight unopened Suboxone sublingual films were found as well as two opened Suboxone sublingual films. Less than 8 ounces of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found on Reeves. He also was carrying $312 cash in mostly small bills. He was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree; trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree, trafficking in marijuana, trafficking within 1000 feet of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Karen Wilson, 49, of 4650 Richmond Road, was present when the search warrant was served. She had several straws and paper wrappers in her possession, according to the police report. She was served an Estill County District Court warrant of arrest for failing to appear for a motion to revoke probation. The underlying charges for that warrant were for several traffic violations. She is also charged with buying/possessing drug paraphernalia.
Cheryl M. Embs, 44, of 525 Tickey Fork, Ravenna, was present at 810 South Irvine when the search warrant was served. She told police that she had one Percocet, one Klonopin and half a Percocet in her purse. She produced all three pills wrapped in cellophane from a cigarette package. Witnesses confirmed to police that Embs was there to buy pills. She had $100 in cash in her purse and on her person. She was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, first degree; and possession of a controlled substance, third degree.
Blaine K. Martin, 68, of 106 Blue Bird Avenue, Berea, was present when the warrant was served at Rose’s. He had a small container with marijuana and a silver pipe. He was issued a citation for possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
George T. Fox, 34, of 1021 Winchester Road, was served two unrelated Estill County District Court warrants of arrest for failing to appear in court. The underlying charges were for several traffic violations.
Finally, James Rose, 58, of 860 South Irvine Road, was arrested after an interview with the Irvine Police Department. He was read his Miranda warning and waived his rights, signing a document. He stated that he knew illegal drug sales were happening at his place of business. He said he received $30 a week payment, and $10 a week payment, respectively, from Cockrell and Reeves. He also admitted that he received Lortab pills and marijuana joints, as well as Klonipin and Valium from Cockrell and Reeves.
Regarding the case, Irvine Police Chief Brad Smith said the IPD has county-wide jurisdiction to make arrests, although their main obligation is to the city of Irvine. He said they “pick and choose” their battles.
However, due to the “very substantial” amount of drug activity confirmed by video and audio taken by a confidential informant, they made the decision to serve a search warrant. Smith also said they are still working to identify others who fled the scene.