A child exploitation investigation in Meade County has led to the discovery of a large-scale drug operation at a rural home near Piedmont.
According to the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were executing a search warrant on Tuesday at a residence on Deerview Road when they uncovered what appeared to be a significant amount of illegal narcotics.
The search was part of an ongoing case involving 42-year-old Kevin Gilmore, who had previously been arrested in Wisconsin on a warrant tied to a child exploitation investigation originating in Minnesota.
While searching the property for electronic devices and digital evidence, authorities say they found approximately 157 pounds of suspected marijuana, along with signs of a large marijuana grow operation.
Investigators also seized an estimated 10 to 20 pounds of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, along with THC products including hashish, vape cartridges, and edible items. Numerous computers and digital storage devices were also collected.
The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team was called in to assist, and multiple agencies are now involved in the case, including state, local, and federal law enforcement partners.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and highlights the importance of cooperation between agencies in complex cases.
Authorities remind the public that all suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
