Paducah couple facing multiple drug charges after month-long investigation

Laura Martinez-Brown and Jerick D. Darruthers (Source: McCracken County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)
Laura Martinez-Brown and Jerick D. Darruthers (Source: McCracken County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – A Paducah couple faces multiple drug charges after the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office completed a month-long drug investigation.

During the month of May 2023, McCracken County Sheriff’s Office Drug Division detectives began an investigation after receiving information alleging that Carruthers was selling illegal drugs.

Jerick Carruthers, 42, of Paducah faces charges of trafficking in Fentanyl 2nd or greater offense, trafficking in methamphetamine 2nd or greater offense, possession of cocaine third or greater offense, possession of controlled substance (Hydrocodone) 2nd or greater offense, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and wanton endangerment 2nd degree.

Laura Martinez-Brown, 35, of Paducah faces charges of possession of cocaine 1st offense, possession of Controlled Substance (Hydrocodone) 1st offense, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and wanton endangerment 2nd degree.

Detectives made multiple methamphetamine and Fentanyl purchases from Carruthers, according to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.

They obtained search warrants for two different homes in Paducah, 818 McGuire Avenue and 669 Cruse Avenue. Those search warrants were executed May 25 around 6 a.m.

Detectives found and arrested Carruthers and Martinez-Brown at 818 McGuire Avenue. A child was also found inside the home and released to a family member.

A second search warrant was then executed nearby at 669 Cruse Avenue. During the search, detectives found methamphetamine, Fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and money believed to be proceeds of illegal drug sales, according to the sheriff’s office. Some of the drugs were hidden outside one of the homes in a wooded area.

The seized drugs in this investigation have an estimated street value of more than $10,000.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Paducah Police Department, Ballard County Sheriff’s Office and Graves County Sheriff’s Office.

Carruthers and Martinez-Brown were taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

Carruthers’ trafficking offenses were enhanced since he has numerous prior felony drug trafficking convictions in Kentucky, according to the sheriff’s office.

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