Paducah Drug Unit Earns Top Law Enforcement Honor

Paducah, Ky. – A major victory against drug trafficking in Paducah was celebrated as the city’s Police Department Drug Unit became the first recipient of the U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement Award for excellence in law enforcement.

In a commendation ceremony, U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman praised the unit for its relentless pursuit of those who threaten communities with drug-related violence and corruption. “Paducah has much to be proud of,” said Coleman, highlighting the unit’s successful campaign against the Keeton Corrections facility, which had long been a hub for criminal activity.

The Paducah Police Department’s Drug Unit conducted an extensive investigation into drug running activities at a local halfway house. The operation resulted in eight arrests and the execution of numerous search warrants, including those at the correctional facility. Detectives uncovered additional drugs and weapons, posing significant risks to correctional officers.

Several individuals arrested during the operation faced severe penalties. Ralph Gaines Jr., an armed career criminal, received a 15-year federal sentence. David Jones was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, while DeAnthony Woods entered an open guilty plea, facing a minimum of 10 years and up to life without parole.

Captain Matt Smith, Sergeant Shawn Craven, Detective Corey Willenborg, Detective Beau Green, Detective Nathan Jaimet, and Detective Matt Scheer were individually recognized for their exceptional service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky plans to honor additional law enforcement officials across the district in the coming months.

This award is a testament to the unit’s dedication and effectiveness in keeping West Kentucky families safe from the scourge of drug trafficking.