Four arrested on drug charges following investigation at Earlington home

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Four people were arrested on Wednesday following an investigation into alleged methamphetamine sales at a home in Earlington.

According to court documents, detectives with the Madisonville-Hopkins County Vice-Narcotics Unit utilized a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase of crystal methamphetamine from James Youngblood, 52, at a home in the 300 block of Hopson Avenue in September. On Wednesday, authorities executed a search warrant at the home, and made contact with Kenneth Morris, 30, who reportedly ignored commands to exit the residence. Police made entry into the home and apprehended Youngblood and Morris.

During a search of the home, detectives say they located a bag containing crystal methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoid hidden inside of a couch and methamphetamine on a plate near a television. They also reportedly found cocaine and a 12 gauge shotgun inside the room where Youngblood was found. Youngblood is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Authorities say they also found Sarah Richter, 44, and Donald Hopson, 70, inside a shed on the property with a juvenile. Court documents say they found multiple lines of methamphetamine and a bag of synthetic marijuana on a dresser inside of the shed and a gun cabinet containing multiple firearms next to the drugs. The drugs were described as being within reach of the child, placing them in "immediate danger".

Youngblood was charged with trafficking methamphetamine (greater than or equal to 2 grams), trafficking in synthetic drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and trafficking cocaine (less than 4 grams). Morris was charged with possession of synthetic drugs and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Richter and Hopson were both charged with possession methamphetamine, possession of synthetic drugs and wanton endangerment.

All four were booked into the Hopkins County Jail.