A Fayette County man was arrested Friday evening and charged with several counts of drug trafficking following the execution of a search warrant at his home.
Detectives from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force served the search warrant around 5:50 p.m. at the residence of Kenneth E. Payton, 418 E. East St. in Washington C.H.
According to Sheriff Vernon Stanforth, the search warrant was a result of a lengthy investigation into criminal activity over several months. Detectives detained multiple individuals at the home during the search, but only two were charged.
Payton, 62, was charged with trafficking in drugs (oxycodone), a third-degree felony; trafficking in drugs (cocaine), a fourth-degree felony; trafficking in drugs (alprazolam), a fifth-degree felony; and trafficking in drugs (marijuana), a third-degree felony.
Donald O. Hayner, 62, of 416 1/2 E. East St., was issued a summons for possession of marijuana at the scene and then was released. Other individuals at Payton’s residence who were detained during the execution of the warrant were later released at the scene by detectives, according to Stanforth.
During the search of the home, Stanforth said substances “presumptively identified” as marijuana, cocaine, oxycodone, and alprazolam were seized, in addition to numerous articles of drug paraphernalia, firearms, and a substantial amount of cash.
Payton was taken to the Fayette County Jail for incarceration, however posted bond on Saturday morning. He is scheduled to appear for arraignment in Washington C.H. Municipal Court on Wednesday.
Upon conclusion of the case file preparation, detectives will present the case to the Fayette County Prosecutor’s Office for review and further action, said Stanforth.