(BENTON, Ky.)-The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office has released details of numerous arrests made throughout July 2025, highlighting ongoing efforts to address drug-related crimes, traffic violations, and warrant enforcement across the region.
Drug-Related Arrests
Several significant drug arrests occurred during the month, with methamphetamine-related charges being particularly prominent. On July 9, Tyler Smith, 28, of Gilbertsville was arrested at Rocky Point Boat Ramp after appearing to be under the influence. He faces charges for possession of methamphetamine (first degree, third or greater offense) and drug paraphernalia possession.
In a major drug trafficking case, Cheryl Roberts, 56, of Benton was arrested July 23 on multiple charges. Initially served with a warrant for methamphetamine trafficking, additional illegal substances discovered at her residence led to additional charges including trafficking in opiates, marijuana possession, and drug paraphernalia possession.
Other notable drug arrests included Melanie Albright, 46, of Hardin, arrested July 13 on an indictment warrant for methamphetamine trafficking, and Michael Willoughby, 47, also of Hardin, charged with methamphetamine possession and paraphernalia possession the same day.
High-Speed Chase Results in Multiple Charges
On July 20, Joseph Blake Baker, 31, of Bowling Green led deputies on a chase on Interstate 24 when they attempted a traffic stop. The incident resulted in numerous charges including fleeing police, speeding more than 26 mph over the limit, wanton endangerment, and various traffic violations. Baker was also found to have multiple outstanding warrants from Webster, Caldwell, Warren, and Livingston counties.
Child Endangerment Cases
Two separate incidents involved charges related to child endangerment. Elisabeth Goodchild, 24, of Gilbertsville was arrested July 9 and charged with six counts of first-degree wanton endangerment after her actions caused a vehicle collision while small children were reportedly in her car.
On July 14, Jeremiah Thomas, 19, of Hardin was arrested after deputies found him driving under the influence with two minor children in the vehicle on Interstate 69. He faces charges for DUI, endangering the welfare of a minor, and marijuana possession.
DUI and Traffic Violations
Several driving under the influence arrests were made during the month. Samantha Sharp, 30, of Gilbertsville was charged July 21 with second-offense DUI with aggravating circumstances during a traffic stop on Interstate 24.
Aaron Wright, 34, of Benton was charged July 28 with DUI with aggravating circumstances following a single-vehicle collision on Oak Level Road. Wright required hospitalization for injuries sustained in the crash.
Firearms Violations
A July 29 traffic stop on Aurora Highway resulted in multiple arrests after K-9 Drax alerted to illegal substances. Robin Gambino-Ledbetter, 59, of Benton was charged with methamphetamine possession, drug paraphernalia possession, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, along with traffic violations. Her passenger, Christopher Johnson, 54, of Wickliffe was also arrested for felon in possession of a handgun.
Domestic Violence and Protection Order Violations
The sheriff’s office also addressed domestic violence incidents during July. Jason Rosson, 48, of Benton was arrested July 26 on charges of fourth-degree assault and second-degree strangulation. Ryan Neal, 42, also of Benton, was charged July 27 with violating a Kentucky emergency protection order.
Outstanding Warrants
Throughout the month, deputies served numerous bench warrants and indictment warrants for various charges including failure to appear, probation violations, and contempt of court. Multiple individuals from across western Kentucky were arrested on outstanding warrants from various county courts.
The arrests demonstrate the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office’s continued efforts to address drug trafficking, impaired driving, and public safety concerns throughout the region. Many of the incidents involved Interstate 24, highlighting the ongoing enforcement efforts along this major transportation corridor.