Two felons have been charged with drug trafficking after police discovered over four ounces of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Big Clifty.
Wednesday morning at approximately 12:35, Grayson County Deputy Wally Ritter observed a 2016 Hyundai Sonata, being driven by 35-year-old Matthew S. Graham, of Mammoth Cave (but with ties to Grayson County), run the stop sign at Main Street and Hardin Springs Road in Big Clifty.
Ritter pulled in behind the vehicle, as Graham turned into the Big Clifty post office before the deputy activated his lights. Deputies Sean Fentress and Justin Cockerell arrived on scene and assisted with the traffic stop.
As deputies made contact with the occupants, they noticed 63-year-old James J. Odom, of Big Clifty, a felon with multiple warrants for this arrest, sitting in the back seat, according to the arrest citations. Kim Gaither, 43, of Clarkson, was in the front passenger seat (K105 published a story Thursday night on her arrest).
Police discovered during the investigation that the tags on the vehicle were expired and that there was no insurance on the car.
During a search of the Sonata, police located over four ounces of methamphetamine and digital scales — with methamphetamine residue — hidden under the front passenger seat, the citation says. Found in the front driver’s door was a straw containing methamphetamine residue.
During a search of Odom, the citation states that police found three counterfeit $100 bills and “multiple empty zip lock bags” on his person.
Graham, who, according to the Kentucky Department of Corrections, was convicted of felony strangulation and second-degree burglary in Grayson County, and was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), driving on a suspended/revoked operator’s license, possession of drug paraphernalia, disregarding a stop sign, improper display of registration plate, no registration plate, failure to maintain insurance.
He is on probation until July 2026.
Odom, who has previous convictions for manufacturing methamphetamine and trafficking in a controlled substance, was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), criminal possession of a forged instrument, persistent felony offender, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Gaither was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
All three were lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center.
(Photo l-f: Matthew Graham, James Odom)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
