(McCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky.) — A 63-year-old Paducah man with a prior drug trafficking conviction is facing multiple charges after detectives executed a search warrant at his residence earlier this month.
John Sotelo of Bridge Street was arrested February 10 by McCracken County Sheriff’s Office deputies following an investigation that began in early February when detectives received tips that he was selling methamphetamine from his home.
Sotelo was no stranger to investigators. He was previously arrested and convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in McCracken County in 2019.
As part of the current investigation, detectives conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Sotelo before obtaining a search warrant for his residence at 2168 Bridge Street.
On February 4, deputies executed the warrant while Sotelo was inside the home. During the search, he was transported to a local hospital due to a preexisting medical condition. Detectives discovered crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and various drug paraphernalia inside the residence.
Following the search, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Sotelo. He was taken into custody without incident at his home six days later and booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.
Sotelo faces five charges: two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine (second or subsequent offense), possession of cocaine (second or subsequent offense), possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information about illegal activity to call 270-444-4719 or submit an anonymous tip through West Kentucky Crime Stoppers at 270-443-TELL.
