First Road Safety Checkpoint Of Holiday Weekend Results In Multiple Felony Drug Trafficking Arrest

Darren Doyle, story:
The Memorial Day Weekend has started off with local law enforcement keeping busy as the first road safety checkpoint of the summer "Click it or Ticket" campaign resulted in a multiple felony drug arrest Friday evening.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office and Mammoth Cave National Park Rangers conducted the checkpoint Friday night at the intersection of KY HWY 70 and Silent Grove Church Road at the entrance of the park.

Officials said Jesse Lee Taylor, (34) of Park City attempted to pass thru the checkpoint when law enforcement said the strong odor of marijuana was present in the vehicle. Officials said that Taylor admitted to having a pipe with marijuana inside and a search was conducted.

Authorities said that during the search, they found crystal meth along with small bags that they said are commonly used to package and distribute illegal drugs. A further search led to the discovery of a pouch that officials said contained marijuana, hydrocodone pills, scales, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

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Jessie Lee Taylor, (34) Park City

Taylor was arrested and charged with:

• Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess
• Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree-first offense (drug unspecified)
• Possession of controlled substance, first degree-first offense
• Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree-first offense (methamphetamine)

Authorities also said Taylor's truck, cell phone, and cash were seized during the arrest. He was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail.

In addition to this arrest, officials said there were also two more DUI arrests along with more marijuana found during the safety checkpoint.

"This is the exact reason we do this," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "We let folks know we're going to be out in order to discourage illegal activity and encourage safe driving habits. In this case, we took some impaired drivers and some drugs off our streets. We also thank Mammoth Cave National Park Rangers for their exceptional work and relationship with us. Of course, I'm always proud of the deputies that represent our office."

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