LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's K-9 Deputy Gary Mehler along with Deputy Tommy Houston and Deputy Jamie Etherton arrested two individuals on Saturday night February 22, 2020 at approximately 9:39 PM.
The arrests occurred at a business parking lot off Cumberland Gap Parkway approximately 9 miles South of London after deputies were dispatched to a complaint of a female subject allegedly shooting up between her toes inside a champagne colored Nissan Sentra with an Ohio license plate. In addition, the caller reported a male subject and a small child in the vehicle.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies conducted an investigation on the driver, and passenger after locating a glass pipe in their possession. In addition, deputies noted a small child in the vehicle. K-9 Deputy Gary Mehler utilized his K-9 “Edge” to conduct a walk around the vehicle. Deputy Mehler noted his K-9 alerted on the vehicle.
Deputies then located a second glass pipe with Meth residue on it inside the vehicle. An occupant in the vehicle admitted the two had used Meth earlier. Both individuals in the vehicle were determined to be under the influence.
The two arrested individuals were identified as:
The driver, Leslie A. Belt age 36 of Bethel, Ohio charged with:
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence – first offense
- Wanton endangerment – first-degree
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Failure to wear seatbelts
- Numerous other registration related violations
Jeremiah William Pace age 29 of Bethel, Ohio charged with:
- Public intoxication – controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Endangering the welfare of a minor
These two individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photos of accused attached are courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
