Homeless man, Murray woman arrested on drug charges in Paducah hotel

A homeless man and a Murray woman were arrested on drug charges after a search of their Paducah hotel room Thursday morning.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office said detectives went to a hotel located on Cairo Road.

Detectives found 32-year-old Christopher Lester, 25-year-old Shayla Harper and a small child inside the room. Lester was located inside the bathroom where detectives allegedly found a glass smoking pipe and a plastic baggy in the toilet.  

Detectives said they found 39 fentanyl pills, hallucinogenic mushrooms, synthetic marijuana and $4,158 in cash believed to proceeds of illegal drug sales. They also reportedly found suspected fentanyl powder in areas accessible to the child.

Lester was arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a synthetic drug, tampering with physical evidence and wanton endangerment.

Harper was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a synthetic drug and wanton endangerment.

Detectives contacted Child Protective Services and the child was released to a family member.