Sheriff Warns Drug Dealers: STORM TEAM is Coming

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department unveiled a new initiative in the battle against illegal drugs. 

In a statement posted Friday to social media, Sheriff Matt Carter announced a new campaign using what he calls the "STORM TEAM," which is an an acronym for "Sheriff, Taking prOactive cRiminal enforceMent To Ensure A safer McCracken County."

Carter said there are very few families in the community that haven't felt the impact of drugs in some way, whether it is crime or addiction. Carter believes drugs are the root cause for many crimes, and he correlated end-of-the-year statistics where drug arrests increased while assaults and burglaries dropped. 

By restructuring some employees, Carter' "Storm Team" is a group of deputies on special assignment "to specifically and proactively combat our illegal drug problem as well as attempt to locate and prevent any other criminal activity."

The team will not affect the level of current department resources for patrols, but Carter says they will "locate and apprehend wanted persons, recover stolen property, and prevent and/or deter crime at rates that we may never fully know." 

Carter sent a message to those who target addicted citizens to make a living by trafficking drugs. He suggested they change their ways or move out of the county. Otherwise, Carter said they are on his department's radar.

"We will not back down until you are held accountable for your lawless actions. There is a STORM coming, and you are in its path," Carter said. 


Here is the complete release:


New McCracken County Sheriff’s Criminal Interdiction Team announcement. The GAUNTLET HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN and the STORM is coming.

Everyone is aware of the current plague our community is under when it comes to illegal drugs, especially Methamphetamine, and the many crimes associated with illegal drugs. There are very few families that have not felt the impact of this poison in some way. Whether you have fallen victim to crime due to the actions of someone addicted to illegal drugs, have a family member that has been affected by this poison, or know someone who has, we all have a story to tell.

From day one, I have pledged to the citizens of this county that vigorous drug enforcement would continue under my administration. I have held true to that promise by ending 2018 with our department's record year of illegal drug arrests with a 48% increase. I continue to stand firm in my beliefs that drugs are the root cause to many other crimes and last year's crime statistics were proof for any doubters that is, in fact, the case. With the increased number of drug arrests, we saw a reduction in many other categories, including assaults and burglaries. I, as well as many other law enforcement professionals, believe there is a direct correlation between illegal drug use and many other crimes that are committed against our citizens (burglaries, thefts, assaults, etc…).

These increased arrests have been made possible in part by the dedicated men and women that unselfishly work hard day in and day out to serve the citizens of this great community. My decision to restructure and reassign our staffing enabled us to increase our drug division by one detective without costing our taxpayers one penny.

In addition to our increased drug enforcement division, I'm excited to inform you about a new program that will begin in a few short days. This program will be referred to as the McCracken County Sheriff's Office "Storm Team". The acronym "Storm Team" stands for: Sheriff, Taking, prOactive, cRiminal, enforceMent, To Ensure, A safer, McCracken County. This team of deputy sheriffs will be on special assignment to specifically and proactively combat our illegal drug problem as well as attempt to locate and prevent any other criminal activity. I have no doubt in addition to fighting the illegal drug problem, these men and women will locate and apprehend wanted persons, recover stolen property, and prevent and/or deter crime at rates that we may never fully know. This team of deputies will in no way take away from the resources that are needed to fulfill the daily responsibilities to our community.

I do not believe the answer is incarceration in all cases, especially those that are battling addiction. However, for those choosing a lifestyle and make your living off of trafficking illegal drugs while targeting those battling addiction, you are encouraged to take notice. If you are committing other crimes that endanger or interfere with the law-abiding citizens of McCracken County, you too should take heed. It is a simple but profound process.

1. If you are committing crimes and/or a drug trafficker living in or providing this poison in McCracken County we would ask, hope, and encourage that you reform from your errored ways. 
2. If you refuse to take this warning seriously, we encourage you to find another community elsewhere because your actions are not welcomed or wanted here.
3. If you refuse to adhere to options 1 or 2, you can rest assured that you are, and will continue to be, on our radar. We will not back down until you are held accountable for your lawless actions. There is a STORM coming, and you are in its path.

Thank you to the multitude of great citizens throughout our community that are always there to support us as we serve you! We will continue our vigorous efforts to make our community one that is safe to raise and enjoy our families while making it impossible for the criminal element to ever become comfortable.

Sincerely,
Sheriff Matt Carter