Arrest made in drug and retail theft ring in southern Laurel Co.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root has announced that a months-long investigation into a drug and retail theft ring has concluded with the arrest of a Lily man.
Paul Tate, 59, was taken into custody on Monday, and was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. He was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond. Online records show that he was released later that same day.
A statement from the Laurel County Sheriff’s office said, “On Monday 12/16/2024 the Laurel County Drug Interdiction Task Force comprised of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and London City Police executed search warrants at a residence and business in southern Laurel County.”
“The search marked the conclusion of a months-long investigation into a drug and retail theft ring run by Paul Tate, age 59, of Lily. Members of the organization received oxycodone in exchange for items shoplifted from local businesses. The DTF and other deputies and officers recovered over $80,000 in stolen items.”
Laurel County Det. Bryon Lawson and London Police Det. Chuck Johnson are leading the investigation. The Laurel County Sheriff’s office reports that additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.