Greater Hardin Co. Narcotics Task Force busts 8 people, seize meth, cars, cash at Penner Dr. apts & S. English St. home

banet-jackson-vigil
banet-jackson-vigil

The Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force arrested eight people, seized multiple vehicles, methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana, and approximately $5,000 in cash during the service of two warrants at Parkway Villa Apartments in Leitchfield, as well a related search of a nearby residence on South English Street.

The raid came after task force members received many complaints about drug activity at the apartment complex commonly referred to as Penner Apartments, police said.

Initially, law enforcement arrested Marcus A. Jackson, 26, and Jesse Banet, 31, and charged each with trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The apartment Jackson and Banet inhabited, along with a small child, was described by police as “deplorable,” with Child Protective Services taking custody of the child.

Inside the apartment, police located methamphetamine, marijuana, cash and a ledger notating drug sales amid the filth.

Jackson, police said, was out of jail on bond after previously being arrested and convicted for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). He was placed in a diversion program with formal sentencing on the meth possession conviction slated for May 17.

Also arrested at Parkway Villa Apartments was Justin Vigil, 23. He was charged with acquiring property from income from trafficking in a controlled substance, trafficking in marijuana (second or greater offense), possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police seized a “couple thousand dollars in cash” from Vigil, multiple vehicles, marijuana and vape cards.

Task force members then did a “knock and talk” at Vigil’s mother’s home on South English Street, according to police, and after receiving a consent to search, located methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana and over $2,000 in cash.

Law enforcement arrested Chris D. Vigil, 33, and charged him with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), trafficking in marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police additionally arrested Kelly Mercer, 42, and initially charged her with trafficking in marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. While being processed into the Grayson County Detention Center, police said jail staff located methamphetamine hidden on her person, resulting in additional charges of trafficking in and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and promoting contraband.

Task force members then received information from Probation and Parole staff and arrived at the office on South Main Street and arrested Katelyn Overfelt, 28, and charged her with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), promoting contraband, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also arrested at the Probation and Parole office was Brice Martin, 31, who was charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, first-degree strangulation, second-degree burglary, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree burglary, fourth-degree assault, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A third suspect was arrested at the Probation and Parole office but information on that person was not available for this story.

(Headline photo l-r: Jesse Banet, Marcus A. Jackson, Justin Vigil)

Chris D. Vigil
Kelly Mercer
Katelyn Overfelt
Brice Martin

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com