SOMERSET, KY - Sheriff Bobby Jones is reporting that on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, an Ohio man was arrested after a traffic stop. The incident began when Detective Tan Hudson conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Highway 90 Loop 2 for traffic violations. Detective Hudson approached the vehicle, occupied by a female driver and a male passenger.
The female provided identification, however the male subject did not have identification, only providing a name and date of birth. Detective Hudson went back to his vehicle to run both individuals through Pulaski 911 dispatch.
Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley and Detective Trent Massey, along with his K-9 "Leo", arrived on scene. Detective Kegley approached the vehicle and observed the passenger deleting information from his cell phone. The passenger provided Detective Kegley with the same name as before. Detective Hudson was unable to locate any person with the information provided.
The passenger finally admitted his name was Derrick Michael Keeton, age 37, of New Carlisle, Ohio.
Detective Massey deployed his K-9 "Leo" to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle. Following Leo’s walk around the vehicle, Detective Massey stated K-9 "Leo" indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.
Once provided with the proper information, it was discovered Keeton had a warrant for his arrest in Laurel County and a warrant for his arrest in Ohio.
Upon exiting the vehicle, Keeton turned over a baggie containing Marijuana. Keeton also had a large amount of cash on his person.
Keeton was arrested on the warrants and was transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center. While en-route to the Detention Center, Keeton started complaining he was getting hot, sick to his stomach, and believed he may pass out. Lt. Richard Smith, partially lowered his rear window in an attempt to help Keeton.
Lt. Smith observed Keeton throw two baggies out the window and instantly stopped to recover the items. Lt. Smith was able to locate 1 bag, containing suspected Fentanyl and Cocaine. Lt. Smith was not able to locate the second bag.
Keeton was transported on to the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Derrick Keeton was charged with the following:
1. Laurel County Circuit Court Indictment for Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivatives); Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 1st Offense (> or = 2 grams methamphetamine)
2. Fugitive Warrant from Ohio for Possession of Heroin or Fentanyl
3. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st Offense (> or = 4 grams cocaine)
4. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl)
5. Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
6. Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz.) 1st Offense
7. Giving Officer False Identifying Information
8. Tampering with Physical Evidence
This individual was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Contraband photo is from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.
The case remains under investigation by Detective Tan Hudson of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division.
Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about drug activity or any crime to contact our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can remain anonymous. You can also leave a tip on the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department's webpage at PulaskiSheriff.com.
