Pubdate: Thu, 07 Sep 2017
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Copyright: 2017 Lexington Herald-Leader
Contact: http://www.kentucky.com/369/
Website: http://www.kentucky.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/240
Author: Bill Estep

FORMER JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF ARRESTED ON MARIJUANA, TRAFFICKING
CHARGES

Former Jackson County Sheriff Denny Peyman was involved in a
marijuana-growing operation and possessed enough anabolic steroids to
indicate he was trafficking in the drug, Kentucky State Police have
charged.

A detective for the state police Drug Enforcement/Special
Investigations unit for the eastern half of the state arrested Peyman
at his farm south of McKee Wednesday at 4:44 p.m. after serving a
search warrant, according to the citation.

The citation said the warrant was the culmination of an investigation
in which 61 marijuana plants had been found earlier growing at
Peyman's farm.

The marijuana had been harvested by two other people with whom Peyman
allegedly had an agreement, according to the citation.

Police found the harvested plants drying in Peyman's barn, the
citation said.

After being read his rights, Peyman said he "had a pretty good idea"
it was marijuana being stored at his barn, the arresting officer said
in the document.

In addition, police searching Peyman's house found eight vials of
anabolic steroids. Peyman did not have a prescription for the
steroids, according to the citation.

That large amount "is indicative of trafficking" in the substance, the
citation said.

Police also found three loaded guns "strategically placed" in the
house to defend Peyman's marijuana-trafficking operation, the citation
said.

Peyman was charged with cultivating marijuana and with second-degree
trafficking in a controlled substance.

Both charges are Class D felonies punishable by one to five years in
prison.

Peyman pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday. He is scheduled
for a preliminary hearing Sept. 18.

A judge set an unsecured bond of $10,000 for him. That meant he did
not have to post the money to be released from jail.

Efforts to reach Peyman Thursday for comment were not successful.

Peyman served a controversial term as Jackson County sheriff before
losing re-election in May 2014.

He feuded with the county fiscal court over financing for the
sheriff's department, faced state audits that found financial
shortfalls and accounting problems at his office, and held up delivery
of tax bills at one point.

Peyman arrested then-Judge-Executive William O. Smith during a public
meeting in January 2014, accusing him of offenses that included
tampering with public records, forgery and falsifying business
records. Smith said the arrest was politically motivated.

A prosecutor dropped the charges and Smith sued Peyman, winning a
settlement of $62,500.

'It didn't happen.' Watch Kentucky girl's tearful reaction to
eclipse.

Witnessing a crime and reporting it can be just as frightening as
being the victim of a crime. Here's what you should do if you witness
illegal activity.
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