Stolen phone lands a package handler and two others in jail on theft and drug charges

A report of a stolen cell phone has landed three Paducah people, including a package handler, in jail on theft and drug charges.

In a month-long investigation, detectives from the McCracken County Sheriff's Office identified a suspect, 47-year-old Jerry Peck of Paducah. Detectives believe Peck took the missing phone and turned it in to an ECO ATM, where phones and electronics can be recycled for cash. They also determined that Peck had conducted several transactions in 2025.

Through an investigation into Peck's background, they figured out he was working in a local mail facility as a package handler. They believe he was taking phones from packages he was moving and sending them on empty. Peck was arrested back on April 24th and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

Several days later, a search warrant was served at Peck's home and detectives allegedly located methamphetamine, marijuana, and materials that suggested cell phones had been removed during shipping. At the time of the search, 70-year-old Larry Collins of Paducah was in the home. He was cited to court on a marijuana possession charge.   

Detectives believe another person was involved, assisting Peck in the reported phone thefts. They said that 45-year-old Diana Evitts was helping Peck with the transactions involving the phones. Evitts was arrested on Monday.

Peck has been charged with multiple counts of receiving stolen property plus possession of meth and marijuana. Evitts was charged with complicity to theft by unlawful taking. 

The case is still under investigation.