Contraband is stopped by a joint operation with the Lee County Jailer, Beattyville City Police, and Three Forks Regional Jail Investigator

On July 4, 2026, Lee County Jailer Justin Shuler was contacted by Three Forks Regional Jail Investigator Cory Dunaway regarding information that narcotics were going to be dropped off at Happy Top Park for inmate Jacob Hunt to retrieve and bring into the Three Forks Regional Jail.

Following the tip, Jailer Shuler and Beattyville Police Chief Cody Sparks responded to Happy Top Park to investigate. During the investigation, authorities located the suspected narcotics and placed Candix Johnson under arrest. Johnson was transported to the Three Forks Regional Jail.

The investigation was conducted jointly by Lee County Jailer Justin Shuler, Beattyville Police Chief Cody Sparks, Three Forks Regional Jail Investigator Cory Dunaway, and Three Forks Regional Jail Administrator Jared Pelfrey.

As a result of the investigation, both Jacob Hunt and Candix Johnson were charged with Promoting Contraband in the First Degree.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement and jail staff, the drugs were intercepted and did not make it into the correctional facility.

According to Lee County Shuler's social media, as Administrator Jared Pelfrey puts it, "If you think you're going to bring drugs to the Three Forks Regional Jail, we're like Motel 6—we'll leave the lights on for you!"

All are innocent till proven guilty in a court of law.