Operation Colonial Sweep drug bust launched at Colonial Motel in Paris

Press Release

Date: October 9, 2025

Over the past several months, the Bluegrass Narcotics Task Force, in collaboration with partnering agencies, has conducted multiple drug investigations throughout Paris and Bourbon County. Through these operations, detectives and law enforcement officials have successfully identified and intercepted illegal narcotics, including heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs, from suspects operating within the city and county.

These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to reducing drug-related crime and ensuring a safer, healthier community for our residents. By working together, we continue to disrupt the flow of dangerous substances and hold those responsible accountable.

Below is a list of individuals charged with drug-related offenses, including those arrested as part of the Paris, Kentucky operation.

Operation Colonial Sweep was launched following a series of indictment warrants stemming from prior drug trafficking investigations. The operation focused on the Colonial Motel in Paris, Kentucky, located beside Paris Elementary School, which had become a focal point for narcotics activity. The site was linked to multiple overdoses and overdose deaths, prompting a coordinated response to dismantle a network of high-level traffickers whose actions fueled addiction, violence, and loss throughout the community.

Although this was a multi-county drug roundup focused on the Colonial Motel, the offenses in Harrison County were unrelated to that location and occurred as part of the broader, coordinated pickup effort.

Harrison County Indictments:

1) Dira Hunter, Cynthiana, KY Offense: Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st – Cocaine (4 counts)

2) Christopher Hunt, Cynthiana, KY — Trafficking Controlled Substance, 1st Degree (6 counts)

3) Joseph Hensley, Cynthiana, KY: Trafficking Controlled Substance (1st and 2nd Offense) Methamphetamine (3 Counts), Trafficking Controlled Substance (1st and 2nd Offense) Fentanyl, Persistent Felony Offender (1st Degree).

4) Jonathan Willis, Cynthiana, Ky: Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st – Methamphetamine; Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st – Cocaine (4 counts); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

5) Perry Feeback, Cynthiana, KY, Trafficking in Controlled Substances First Degree, Methamphetamine (2 Counts), and Persistent Felony Offender First Degree.

6) Thelma Stevens, Cynthiana, KY, Trafficking Controlled Substance 3rd

Bourbon County Indictments:

1) Roderick Hill, Paris, KY, Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st – Fentanyl, Persistent Felony Offender I.

2) Troy Cunningham, Paris, KY

Trafficking in Controlled Substances, 1st Degree – Cocaine (3 counts), Trafficking in Controlled Substances, 1st Degree – Methamphetamine (4 counts), Persistent Felony Offender I

3) Megan White, Paris, KY, Trafficking in Controlled Substances, 1st Offense Cocaine (3 counts)

4) Lowell Chambers, Paris, KY, charged with Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st – Cocaine and Persistent Felony Offender 2nd (pending additional drug charges in Bourbon).

5) William Thomas, Paris, KY: Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st (4 counts) – Methamphetamine; Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st (3 counts) – Cocaine; and Persistent Felony Offender 1st (Pending additional drug charges).

6) Joey Owens, Paris, KY, charged with Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st – Cocaine (3 Counts)—pending charges for Felon in possession of a firearm.

7) Jesslyn Roe, Paris, Ky. – Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1st offense, Cocaine, and Persistent Felony Offender II, Bourbon.

James Ezell, Paris, KY: Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st – Cocaine.

9) Taurean Thomas, Paris, KY: Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st Degree (3 counts) – Fentanyl, Persistent Felony Offender II.

In addition to these arrests, law enforcement identified multiple individuals with active outstanding warrants.

The County Attorney’s Office and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office of Bourbon and Harrison Counties will lead the prosecution of these investigations. Through our united efforts, we are making significant progress in reducing drug-related activity, thus building a stronger and safer community for everyone.

Dealers often mix fentanyl with other drugs like heroin, pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA, which makes these drugs cheaper and more accessible. This practice is dangerous for users who may not realize that this cheaper addiction could be stronger than what they’re used to, often resulting in overdose. These arrests have prevented a significant public health threat and taken a hazardous substance off the streets.

The drug epidemic continues to tear apart families, leaving many to face the tragic results of overdose and death. As our community struggles with these issues, law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to reducing their impact. They work with local treatment centers that offer ASAP programs and Casey Laws to ensure individuals and families get the support and care they need.

Detectives Paul Olin, Teddy Rawlins, and Bobby Gray of the Bluegrass Narcotic Task Force, along with Detective Mark Craycraft from the Kentucky State Police-DESI-East and Troopers from Post 6, Dry Ridge, have played a vital role in these investigations. Their coordinated efforts have been key to the success of these operations.

We often hear feedback from family members and defendants impacted by these cases. As community members, we approach each situation with compassion, understanding that addiction is a serious health issue that needs treatment and support. However, the Task Force, along with prosecuting attorneys, firmly believes that the most effective way to reduce overdoses and overdose-related deaths is to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against those trafficking fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in our communities.

If you’re struggling with substance abuse and want help, you can contact our office anonymously at (859) 234-2617, and we will assist you in finding the resources you need.

The task force members come from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Cynthiana Police Department, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Paris Police Department.

An indictment or arrest warrant is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Mark Burden, Director

Bluegrass Narcotic Task Force