CARLISLE COUNTY, Ky. (News First) — The Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office arrested Tony Adams, 44, of Milburn on Thursday. Adams, an employee of the Carlisle County Road Department, faces charges including three counts of promoting contraband in the first degree, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (less than 2 grams of methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An investigation revealed that between June 11 and Aug. 8, Adams and his wife, Casey Adams, received multiple Cash App deposits from family members of Class D inmates at the Ballard County Jail. Adams allegedly used a debit card to withdraw the deposits, purchasing THC vapes, prepaid cell phones, and cell phone minutes for inmates under his supervision.
On Aug. 2, a $30 deposit was made to the Cash App account, with a specific inmate’s name in the notes. According to the investigation, the money was intended for methamphetamine, and a witness stated they saw Adams give the inmate a bag of meth. The inmate later tested positive for meth during a drug screen at the jail.
Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation shows Adams purchasing a prepaid cell phone card at a local Dollar General. The receipt from that transaction, along with the phone to which the minutes were added, was found in a Class D cell inside the jail. Jailers also discovered THC vapes, which are believed to have been provided by Adams.
Adams was arrested around 11:15 a.m. on Aug. 8 while at work by Sheriff Eric Perry and Chief Deputy Ben Green. A small quantity of methamphetamine was found in his wallet during the arrest. In an interview with Green, Adams confessed to receiving deposits via Cash App and purchasing vapes, phones, and phone minutes. When questioned about the methamphetamine, Adams initially claimed that the inmate stole the meth from him but later admitted to facilitating a drug deal between the inmate and a dealer.
Adams was immediately terminated from his position at the Carlisle County Road Department. Casey Adams was charged with one count of complicity to promoting contraband in the first degree and was cited and released.
Both suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
