Sheriff Bobby Jones reports on Wednesday April 12, 2023, an Ohio man was arrested following a traffic stop.

The incident began when Detective Tan Hudson conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Highway 90 Loop 2 for traffic violations. Detective Hudson approached the vehicle, occupied by a female driver and a male passenger. The female provided identification, however the male subject did not have identification, only providing a name and date of birth. Detective Hudson went back to his vehicle to run both individuals through Pulaski 911 dispatch.

Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley and Detective Trent Massey, along with his K9 Leo, arrived on scene. Detective Kegley approached the vehicle and observed the passenger deleting information from his cell phone. The passenger provided Detective Kegley with the same name. Detective Hudson was unable to locate any person with the information provided.

The passenger finally admitted his name was Derrick Keeton, age 37, of New Carlisle, Ohio.
 

Detective Massey deployed his K9 Leo to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle. Following Leo’s walk around the vehicle, Detective Massey stated Leo indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.

Once provided with the proper information, it was discovered Keeton had a warrant for his arrest in Laurel County and a warrant for his arrest in Ohio. Upon exiting the vehicle, Keeton turned over a baggie containing marijuana. Keeton also had a large amount of cash on his person.

Keeton was arrested on the warrants and was transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center.

While en-route to the Detention Center, Keeton started complaining he was getting hot, sick to his stomach, and believed he may pass out. Lt. Richard Smith, partially lowered his rear window to attempt to help Keeton. Lt. Smith observed Keeton throw two baggies out the window and instantly stopped to recover the items. Lt. Smith was able to located 1 bag, containing suspected fentanyl and cocaine. Lt. Smith was not able to locate the second bag.
 

Keeton was transported on to the Pulaski County Detention Center.
 

Keeton was charged with the following:
1. Laurel County Circuit Court Indictment for Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st
Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivatives); Trafficking in a Controlled Substance

1 st Degree, 1 st Offense (> or = 2 grams methamphetamine)

2. Fugitive Warrant from Ohio for Possession of Heroin or Fentanyl
3. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 1 st Offense (> or = 4 grams cocaine)
4. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl)
5. Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
6. Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz.) 1 st Offense
7. Giving Officer False Identifying Information
8. Tampering with Physical Evidence

The case remains under investigation by Detective Tan Hudson of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s
Office Narcotics Division.

Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about drug activity or any crime to contact
our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can remain anonymous. You can also leave a tip on our
webpage at http://www.pulaskisheriff.com.