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Two Charged with trafficking in controlled substance

By Eugenia Jones

Constable Freddie Clark reported the arrests earlier this week of 61 year old Billy Ray Watson of Stearns, KY and 40 year old Stanley Ray Smiddy of Strunk, KY.

On Sunday (August 21, 2022), Constable Clark was observing a parking lot where drug trafficking activity was alleged to have been taking place.  As Constable Clark was observing the area, a 2007 black Pontiac driven by Smiddy arrived and parked next to a 2007 silver Pontiac driven by Watson.  Watson’s vehicle appeared to be waiting in the parking lot.  Smiddy allegedly exited his vehicle and entered Watson’s vehicle on the front passenger side.  According to the citation report, Constable Clark then drove up to Watson’s car, appearing to surprise both Watson and Smiddy.  

Billy Ray Watson

Constable Clark exited his vehicle and then reportedly noticed a large amount of currency and a wad of white-crystal powder substance in the hand of the driver (Watson).  When Constable Clark told Watson to hand over the substance to him, Watson allegedly sped away in his vehicle.  Constable Clark got back into his vehicle and pursued the silver Pontiac, driven by Watson, around a building and back into the parking lot.  Allegedly, Watson threw the suspected drugs and a container out of his vehicle while he was being pursued by Constable Clark.  After circling back into the parking lot, the pursuit ended.  Both Watson and Smiddy were placed under arrest and Constable Clark recovered the items allegedly tossed from Watson’s vehicle during the pursuit.

Stanley Ray Smiddy

Both Watson and Smiddy were arrested and charged with (1) Fleeing or Evading Police, 2nd Degree (Motor Vehicle)  (2)  Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree (<10 D.U. Drug Unspecified Sch 1 &2)  (3)  Tampering with Physical Evidence.  Both were transported and lodged at the Knox County Detention Center.

Constable Clark was assisted at the scene by the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office (Deputy Greg Chaney) and KSP Trooper Adam Dotson.

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