PADUCAH, Ky (News First) . — The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men and a woman Thursday afternoon during a drug investigation, seizing approximately 5 ½ pounds of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs.
Drug detectives had been conducting covert investigations over the past two months to identify sources of illegal drugs in Western Kentucky. On May 23, they arrested three individuals responsible for trafficking large amounts of drugs in Paducah and McCracken County.
Detectives purchased crystal methamphetamine from Eric McCarty and Damon Stigger, who were working together to sell large quantities of illegal drugs. McCarty, who was wanted on a parole violation warrant, was arrested without incident and found with approximately 224 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Stigger attempted to flee during a traffic stop but was apprehended after a short vehicle pursuit. He was found with cocaine and money believed to be proceeds from drug sales. Additional bags of cocaine were discovered concealed in his buttocks during a search at the McCracken County Regional Jail.
A search warrant executed at an apartment on Cherry Circle in Paducah led to the arrest of Stevie Tidwell. Detectives found approximately 5 ½ pounds of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, $7,980 in suspected drug proceeds, and assorted drug paraphernalia in the apartment.
The Kentucky State Police, Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office, and Paducah Police Department assisted in the investigation. All three individuals were lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail, with additional charges and arrests expected.
Charges:
Eric D. McCarty, 48, of Murray, KY:
- Complicity to Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 2nd or > Offense – (> or = 2 Grams Methamphetamine)
- Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 3rd or > Offense (Methamphetamine)
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
- Unrelated Parole Violation Warrant
Damon L. Stigger, 45, of Paducah, KY:
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 2nd or > Offense – (> or = 2 Grams Methamphetamine)
- No Operator’s License
- Disregarding Stop Sign
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Produce Insurance Card
- Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree – Police Officer
- Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree
- Failure to or Improper Signal
- Criminal Mischief 1st Degree
- Resisting Arrest
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Methamphetamine)
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 2nd or > Offense – (> or = 4 Grams Cocaine)
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
- Promoting Contraband 1st Degree
Stevie R. Tidwell, 37, of Paducah, KY:
- Complicity to Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 2nd or > Offense – (> or = 2 Grams Methamphetamine)
- Complicity to Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense – (> or = 4 Grams Cocaine)
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
- Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree Offense (Methamphetamine)
