From the Middlesboro Police Department -
On Friday January 21, 2022, The Middlesboro Police Department was part of a multi-agency investigation regarding a Bell County wanted man. With joint cooperation with Homeland Security Investigations in Knoxville, Tn., Knox County TN Sheriff's Office, Union County Sheriff's Office, Commonwealth Attorney Lisa Fugate, and MPD Narcotics Investigator Ryan Collins, they were able to capture 44-year-old Michael King, formerly of Middlesboro, Ky.,and seized a substantial amount of Methamphetamine and cash.
During the course of the lengthy investigation by NI Collins, it was determined that King had strong ties to Middlesboro and was playing a crucial part in the distribution of the Methamphetamine into the Commonwealth of Kentucky and nearby areas. During this time it was known that King had a felony arrest warrant for trafficking a controlled substance - 1st degree (Methamphetamine) and persistent felony offender - 2nd degree out of Bell County, Ky.
Through the investigation officers learned of a possible location of King in Knox County, Tn.
With this information, Collins contacted Commonwealth Attorney Lisa Fugate, who authorized a warrant for King to be extradited from Tennessee back to Kentucky. NI Collins then contacted HSI Agent Wilson forwarding all the information on King's whereabouts and details of the investigation. Wilson then opened his own investigation contacting the KSCO and UCSO for assistance in apprehending King. A short time later, his residence was located and King was seen leaving the area. He was stopped and placed under arrest for felony warrants without incident.
While under arrest, King identified his residence and a search warrant was obtained. The warrant was executed at the home and law enforcement officials seized approximately (7) kilos (just over 15 pounds) of Methamphetamine, $30,000 in cash, a handgun, and several other items indicating drug trafficking from his residence.
The Middlesboro Police are thanking all the agencies involved in the investigation and state that as a result law enforcement officials were able to come together to stop a large supplier of illegal narcotics from entering the communities.
Michael King is currently being held in the Knox County Tennessee Jail charged with possession of Methamphetamine - 300 grams or more, possession of a firearm with the intent to go armed, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and he was served a fugitive from justice warrant out of Kentucky which holds him without bond until he is extradited.