Drugs, gun found in car at checkpoint

June 30--Drivers rolling along Cumberland Falls Highway around midnight Wednesday night may have thought there was a crash or something around the intersection with Bee Creek Road.

But that wasn't the case.

Troopers Tony Dingess and Les Moses with the Kentucky State Police were conducting what was termed as a "pre-approved" safety checkpoint.

Drivers slowed for officers, and provided the usual requested information -- drivers license, proof of insurance and registration -- and the bulk of those drivers were permitted to move along.

However, about 12:15 Thursday morning, a Corbin man driving a 1998 Dodge truck got to that roadblock -- and ended up jailed in the Whitley County Detention Center.

Public Affairs Officer Trooper Lloyd Cochran said 27-year-old James Lee Rose reportedly appeared "nervous" and was "fidgeting." Troopers allege they observed him concealing something inside his truck, according to Cochran.

This led to a search, which Cochran said allegedly uncovered 9 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a quantity of marijuana, digital scales, various drug paraphernalia, $215 -- and a semi-automatic handgun.

Rose remains jailed in the detention center under a $50,000 cash bond with an ankle bracelet requirement.

He faces charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second or greater offense, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, second offense, carrying a concealed weapon, operating on a suspended or revoked drivers license, and several traffic violations.

He is slated for his first court appearance for this case Tuesday in Whitley County.

Dingess continues his investigation and was assisted by Moses and Trooper Josh Cox.

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