Bell County Search Warrant Nets Guns and Drugs - Four Arrested

From the Bell County Ky Sheriff's Department -

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Bell County Deputies led by Detective Hunter Luttrell executed a search warrant at a Nuckles Lane residence in Pineville. During the search, a white Chevrolet Trax, occupied by 54-year-old Walter Howard and 49-year-old Jennifer Taylor, was seen leaving the residence's driveway.

The vehicle was stopped, and K-9 Steve was deployed to conduct an open-air sniff, which positively alerted. Found was a bag of a white crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine and three unknown white pills.

Additional deputies at the residence reported an unusually high level of noise coming from the rear of the trailer, and upon contact, they found 20-year-old Morgan Sizemore and 39-year-old James Lawson.

Deputies located two pistols and a substantial amount of Methamphetamine under the trailer that had been seen through a hole in the floor. Inside the trailer were pipes with residue, a green leafy substance believed to be Marijuana, and sandwich baggies determined to be used for packaging narcotics.

All four individuals were arrested and lodged in the Bell County detention Center.

James Lawson, Jennifer Taylor, Morgan Sizemore, and Walter Howard were all charged with: possession of a controlled substance - 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine), trafficking in a controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (greater than 2 grams of Methamphetamine), and engaging in organized crime.

James Lawson and Morgan Sizemore were additionally charged with: buying/possessing drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, and trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8oz) – 1st offense.

James Lawson was additionally charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

Deputies involved were:

Sgt. Austin Poindexter, Sgt. Jody Risner, Deputy Samson Churchwell, Deputy Keith Fuson/K-9 Steve, Deputy Adam Smith, Deputy Chris Owens, Chaplain Rick Dorton, Chaplain Allen Sanders, Chaplain Paul Long, and Pineville Police Chief Brandon Holingsworth. CSO assisted with transport and traffic control - Adam Sloan, Dylan Morris, and David Barlow. Along with Pineville FD Robert Daniels.