Two Grundy residents are facing multiple felony charges after Kentucky State Police said a traffic stop in Pike County led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and a handgun.
Tammy Lynn Smith, 43, of Bear Crossing Road, and Eric Brandon Ratliff, 39, of Density Drive, were arrested after troopers stopped a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Ky. Route 194 in Phelps. According to Kentucky State Police, the vehicle was stopped because its temporary paper registration tag had flipped upside down, making it unreadable.
Trooper Zachary Burgess initiated the stop, and Trooper Brennan Eckart responded to assist, according to arrest citations.
Police said Smith, the driver, was unable to provide proof of insurance. While speaking with the occupants, troopers observed Ratliff, a passenger, attempting to conceal a folded piece of aluminum foil. Ratliff exited the vehicle at officers’ request and allegedly admitted the foil contained drugs, telling troopers he believed the substance was either fentanyl or methamphetamine and that he had found it on the ground at a gas station.
After Ratliff was detained, officers removed the remaining occupants from the vehicle. During that process, police reported seeing Smith quickly close the center console after they observed what appeared to be a glass pipe inside.
While searching Smith, troopers noticed what they described as a bulge in her waistband. Smith identified the object as a small leather purse but became nervous when officers asked to inspect it, according to the citation.
Police said Smith claimed the purse did not belong to her and that another occupant had placed it in the vehicle. She also allegedly told troopers she believed the bag contained illegal drugs.
According to Kentucky State Police, the purse contained four bags of suspected methamphetamine, including quantities ranging from 1 to 5 grams, along with a digital scale. Although all three occupants denied ownership of the purse, troopers said Smith’s cellphone, wallet and credit cards were found inside.
During a search of Ratliff, troopers recovered two syringes. After he was removed from the patrol vehicle, officers discovered a .22-caliber revolver on the floorboard where he had been seated. Investigators also determined Ratliff is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Police said Ratliff repeatedly provided false names before his identity was confirmed through a Virginia law enforcement agency. Troopers also learned he was wanted in Buchanan County on a fugitive warrant for failing to appear in court on previous drug charges.
Smith was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance involving 2 grams or more of methamphetamine, second offense; possession of drug paraphernalia; failure to produce proof of insurance; and other traffic-related offenses.
Ratliff was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, giving false identifying information to law enforcement and being a fugitive from justice.
Both were lodged in the Pike County Detention Center pending court proceedings. Court records show the third occupant of the vehicle was not charged.
The charges are allegations, and Smith and Ratliff are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
