Investigation Leads to Meth Trafficking Arrest

Male Subject Who Fled on Foot Still Wanted

Ponda Bennett, (48), Edmonson County.

Darren Doyle, story:
An investigation on the whereabouts of a suspected meth trafficker led to her arrest this past weekend, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

According to Edmonson County Sheriff's Deputy Tim Jackson and an official arrest citation, Deputy Jackson arrived at a residence on Chalybeate School Road on Saturday, November 25th around 5PM where consent to search was given by the resident, who said drugs could be present. 

Deputy Jackson stated in an arrest citation that Ponda Bennett, (48), who was staying with the resident, was observed in a bedroom with an odor of marijuana and a meth pipe in plain view. Jackson stated to the Edmonson Voice that while interviewing Bennett, a white male jumped out of a glass window from a closet of the bedroom and fled on foot with what appeared to be cash along with narcotics.

During that time, Dep. Jackson said he observed Bennett flushing an unknown amount of methamphetamine down the toilet, which he said he was able to recover a portion. A further search of the bedroom resulted in the discovery of a large amount of meth, scales, and drug paraphernalia,  Jackson said.

Kentucky State Police along with Warren County Sheriff's Office assisted in the search for the male, who was later identified by Deputy Jackson, with charges pending as a wanted fugitive, according to Jackson.

ECSO photo of seized methamphetamine.

Ponda Bennett was arrested and charged with:

• Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess
• Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree, first offense, 2 grams or more, meth
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Hindering prosecution or apprehension-2nd degree

She was transported to the Hart County Jail.