From WRIL -
On Monday, September 26, 2022, Middlesboro Police conducted a round up of drug traffickers in the area after a lengthy investigation lead by Officer Ryan Collins.
At 6:00pm, Officer Ryan Collins executed a complaint warrant on 27-year-old Christopher Hurst of Middlesboro after he was located and stopped on a 4-wheeler at the intersection of New Wilson Lane and Highway 441. He was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense – greater than or equal to 2 grams (Methamphetamine). He is being held on a $2500.00 cash bond.
At 6:38pm, Officer Collins executed a complaint warrant at a Sherwood Road residence on 39-year-old James York of Middlesboro. York was taken into custody and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivatives) and he was served with a failure to appear warrant.
Bond has not been set yet.
At approximately 9:30pm, Officer Collins, along with Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson and Officer Jake Perry executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Twin Acres Drive. When the officers arrived at the residence, Sgt. Johnson saw suspect 59-year-old Benjamin Hickman of Middlesboro in plain view sitting at a desk.
Officer Collins Citation further states that Hickman told the men to come into the home. He was then arrested. Also in plain view, where Hickman had been sitting, Sgt. Johnson located a water pipe containing a thick white residue believed to be Methamphetamine and a digital scale. Found in the desk was a bag with a green leafy substance believed to be Marijuana.
Benjamin Hickman was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with:
Possession of controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine), Possession of Marijuana, and Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia. He was also served warrants for Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense – less than 2 grams (Methamphetamine) and Trafficking in controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school being Southeast College.
We understand that Hickman was released on an OR (own recognizance) bond 1hr and 18 minutes after being booked into the Bell County Detention Center.
More arrests are expected in regard to this investigation.