Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports four individuals are in custody following a search warrant at
a Somerset residence.
The incident began when Detectives with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division
were conducting surveillance on a residence on Ringgold Road, of a suspected drug trafficker.
While conducting surveillance, Detectives observed a male, Walter Blaine Smith, age 38, of
Somerset in the entrance of the residence. Detectives discovered Smith had an active Pulaski
County Circuit Court indictment for his arrest and approached the residence to arrest Smith.
Detectives knocked and announced with no response. Detectives forced entry into the residence
and discovered numerous individuals inside. Detectives were initially unable to locate Smith, but
discovered him in a hidden compartment inside of a closet.
While in the residence searching for Smith, Detectives observed cash lying on the floor, various
drug paraphernalia, two handguns, and two bags of suspected Fentanyl.
Detectives applied for and received a search warrant for the residence. Upon searching the
residence, Detectives located approximately (1) one pound of methamphetamine, ¼ ounce of
Fentanyl, digital scales, two handguns, cash, and various drug paraphernalia.
Deputies located warrants on other individuals in the residence.
Following the initial investigation, the following individuals were taken into custody:
Walter Blaine Smith:
Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 2 nd or greater offense (> or = 2 grams)
(Methamphetamine) (Enhanced with firearm)
Trafficking in Controlled Substance 2 nd Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivatives)
(Enhanced with firearm)
Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 2 nd or Greater Offense (< 2 grams)
(Methamphetamine) – Pulaski Circuit Court Indictment
Persistent Felony Offender – Pulaski Circuit Court Indictment
James E. Martin, age 48, of Louisville was arrested and charged with the following:
Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 1 st or greater offense (> or = 2 grams)
(Methamphetamine) (Enhanced with firearm)
Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Offense (Carfentanil or Fentanyl Derivatives)
(Enhanced with firearm)
Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
David A. Letner, age 39, of Somerset was arrested and charged with the following:
Possession of Controlled Substance 1 st Degree Fentanyl – Pulaski County Circuit
Court Indictment
Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess – Pulaski County Circuit Court Indictment
Possession of Controlled Substance 1 st Degree Fentanyl – Pulaski County Circuit
Court Indictment
Donald Jasper, age 31, of Somerset was arrested and charged with the following:
Failure to Appear – Pulaski County District Court Warrant
The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Trent Massey, with additional charges expected to
follow. The Narcotics Division was assisted on the scene by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
Criminal Investigation Division, Deputy Ronnie Golden, and Deputy Grant Bryant.