Two In Jail After Bell County Deputies Execute Search Warrant Finding Drugs

From the Bell County Ky Sheriff's Department -

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Bell County Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant at a West Virginia Avenue apartment in Pineville regarding drug trafficking taking place at the residence.

Once inside the residence, K-9 Steve and K-9 Deputy Keith Fuson conducted an open-air search alerting on multiple locations in the apartment. 

Upon execution of the warrant, several items were found, including multiple baggies, scales, a green-leafy substance believed to be Marijuana, a clear crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine, a brown substance believed to be Heroin, unknown pills, and cash believed to be associated with the profits of the sale of drugs. 

Based on Detective Hunter Luttrell's training and experience, the suspected substances were packaged for distribution. Within 1000 feet of the residence are several schools, including Bell-Whitley Schools (Head Start), Pineville Preschool, and Pineville Independent School.

Arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center were 50-year-old Billie Hale and 46-year-old Amanda Turner, both of Middlesboro.  They have both been charged by Deputies Ryan Sams and Adam Smith with:

Trafficking controlled substance (Heroin) within 1,000 feet of a school

Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense ( >=2 grams Methamphetamine)

Possession of controlled substance 3rd degree – (drug unspecified)

Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz.) – 1st offense

Buying or possessing drug paraphernalia

Billie Hale was additionally charged with disorderly conduct – 2nd degree.

Also assisting on scene were Sgt. Austin Poindexter, Sgt. Jody Risner, Deputy Ryan Sams, Deputy Samson Churchwell, CSO Brad Dye, Chaplain Rick Dorton, and Pineville Police Chief Brandon Hollingsworth.