WRECC Service Call Leads To Large Drug Bust

Various guns, drugs, cash, and paraphernalia were seized during the bust.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report, Darren Doyle, photos
Officials say Warren Rural Electric responded to a residence on Louisville Road Monday, September 26, 2016 where an employee saw items pertaining to drug activity and called the sheriff. The utility company had responded to a theft of services complaint where the company had cut power to the residence due to non-payment but the occupant had managed to reconnect the power without paying.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's office responded to the scene around 2:30 yesterday and spoke with the occupant, Bruce Wilson, 35. Authorities said after probable cause was found, a search warrant was obtained and executed at the property.

Law enforcement officials reported that once inside, they discovered 1.5oz of crystal meth with a street value of $1800, individually bagged hydrocodone, gabapentin, and xanax pills, around $900 in cash, four long guns, and nine handguns, several with serial numbers that had been defaced or removed. All items and cash were seized by the sheriff's office.

Approx. $1800 worth of suspected crystal meth and other drugs were discovered.

Bruce Wilson, 35, Smiths Grove (Hart Co. Jail)

Also found were numerous cell phones, hundreds of dollars in security and surveillance equipment, scales, and various items officials said are commonly used in drug trafficking. 

After further investigation, it was discovered that Wilson was a convicted felon out of Florida, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm. Officials said they also found drugs inside a 2002 Chevy Tahoe at the property, which was also seized.

Wilson was arrested and charged with:  

• Possession of handgun by convicted felon
• Trafficking controlled substance first degree, first offense (two counts)
• Possession of defaced firearm

Wilson was lodged in the Hart County Jail. Officials said more drug and theft of service charges are pending. Assisting the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was the 38th District Commonwealth Attorney's Office.

"We are fortunate that this WRECC employee could tell that something wasn't right," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "He did the right thing by contacting us. By doing so, we were able to get some drugs and illegal guns out of our county."

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