Alleged Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty in Circuit Court

Laurall Clemmons, 42, of Tyner, KY, appeared before Judge Oscar Gayle House in Circuit Court on April 07, 2026, for a pretrial hearing in Case #25-CR-00043. During the hearing, she changed her plea of “not guilty” to a plea of “guilty”.

Clemmons was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st offense (>+ 2 grams Methamphetamine), and drug paraphernalia – Buy/Possess. In accordance with her guilty plea, the charge of drug paraphernalia – buy/possess was dismissed by the Commonwealth Attorney. A presentencing investigation (PSI) was ordered, and a sentencing hearing was scheduled for June 02, 2026.

Clemmons, along with co-defendant Zachary Baugh, 25, of Sand Gap, KY, had both been charged with alleged trafficking in a controlled substance. Baugh was also charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (>2 grams of methamphetamine). Baugh pled guilty to an amended charge on July 02, 2025 and was sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment, to serve.

Clemmons and Baugh were arrested by KSP Trooper S. Townsley (Badge #777) on March 25, 2025. While Trooper Townsley was on patrol US 421 traveling southbound, he observed Clemmons operating a 2013 Sonic Chevrolet on Bridge Rock Road in Sand Gap, KY. Trooper Townsley reported that he observed Clemmons turn left onto US 421 without using a turn signal. He conducted a traffic stop on US 421 near Slone Gabbard Hollow Road. In addition to the driver (Clemmons), there was a male passenger in the vehicle, Zachary Baugh, 25, of Sand Gap, KY.

Trooper Townsley reported that Baugh was not wearing a seat belt and was concealing his hands underneath his “butt” while Townsley was talking with the driver. Trooper Townsley was aware that Baugh had an active warrant for his arrest. Sheriff Isaacs was assisting KSP and instructed Baugh to step out of the vehicle. Baugh reportedly paused and began to conceal his hands under his butt again. When Baugh exited the vehicle Trooper Townsley reported that Baugh’s pants were down in the back, exposing his butt. Townsley observed a plastic bag concealed in Baugh’s butt. Baugh was placed in handcuffs and the plastic bag was removed from his person. The bag contained a large amount of suspected methamphetamine. A second small clear plastic bag was discovered and removed from Baugh’s pocket.

Clemmons was asked if there was anything else illegal inside the vehicle. She stated in a nervous voice that she just wanted to go home. A vehicle search was conducted and a black plastic magnetic box was discovered under the driver’s seat stuck to the seat adjustment handle. Trooper Townsley opened the box and found several syringes and a small clear ziplock plastic bag. Inside the bag were several pieces of notebook paper. When Trooper Townsley unfolded one of the pieces of paper he observed a substance that was suspected to be fentanyl. The remainder of the folded papers were not unfolded due to the danger of being exposed to this dangerous drug. However, Trooper Townsley reported that he could tell by feeling the paper that an unknown substance was inside. In addition to the drugs, the search revealed a digital scale inside a handbag along with other items of paraphernalia inside a glasses case in a second handbag.

The County Attorney had obtained a complaint warrant (#E05510004948031) for Baugh’s arrest on March 13, 2025. In the complaint, the County Attorney alleged that Baugh had intentionally failed to appear at a specified time and place in accordance with a Court Ordered Bond issued on March 13, 2025, in Case #25-F-00018. In this case, the grand jury charged Baugh with the felony of possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (methamphetamine) and drug paraphernalia Buy/Possess. Baugh allegedly fled from the vehicle he was in while being transported to in-patient drug rehabilitation as ordered by the court.

Clemmons and Baugh were both arrested and taken to the Jackson County Detention Center. Clemmons was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st offense, drug paraphernalia – Buy/Possess, failure to or improper signal, and failure to wear seat belts.