PINEVILLE, KY - The Bell County Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Wednesday night June 14, 2023, Bell County Deputy Austin Poindexter observed a vehicle fail to come to a complete stop at the intersection of Highways 119 and 72. The deputy then initiated a traffic stop at Howard’s Mart in the Blackmont community.
After making contact with the driver, 57-year-old Bruce Partin, he was found not to be wearing a seatbelt and after being asked for his license, he said it was lost in a tornado.
Deputy Poindexter, joined by Sgt. Frank Foster, then asked Partin consent to search his vehicle which was granted.
During the search, the deputies found a large bag of a crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine between the gear shifter and the covering. Also found was a small green bag with a crystal-like substance inside and a clear glass pipe with the same substance below the gear shifter.
A 59 year-old passenger, Jerome Baker stated to the deputies that he had his Hi-point 9mm handgun with a bullet in the chamber sitting in the door panel beside him. Baker was also found with a magazine for the gun in his possession.
After speaking to the men, both denied ownership of the drugs that were found in the vehicle and were arrested.
Bruce Partin was charged with:
- Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense greater than or equal to 2 grams (Methamphetamine)
- Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia
- License to be in possession
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Disregarding a stop sign
Jerome Baker was charged with:
- Trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense greater than or equal to 2 grams (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
- Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia
Both individuals were transported to and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.
Photos of the accused and seized contraband are from the Bell County Sheriff's Department.
