Confirmed Gang Member Arrested In Putnam County Drug Bust

Image Credit: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office & Google Earth

The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

A confirmed gang member was arrested by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) last week following the execution of a search warrant at the man’s Cookeville residence.

46-year-old Kevin Otey, a confirmed member of the “Traveling Vice Lords” gang with multiple prior felony convictions, was arrested by PCSO on Wednesday, September 17^th.

The arrest follows a months-long investigation by the sheriff’s office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force (HIDTA).

According to authorities, around 7:45am on Wednesday, the Algood Police Department and members of the Putnam County SWAT team gathered to help execute a search warrant at Otey’s residence. 

At approximately 8:40am, Sergeant Josh Hull witnessed Otey driving on Cardinal Street and conducted a traffic stop.

At the same time, PCSO’s SWAT team was entering Otey’s residence.

While executing the search warrant, PCSO narcotics investigators and TBI HIDTA agents found illegal narcotics, including cocaine at the residence.

126 grams of marijuana, other drug paraphernalia, $3,869 in U.S. currency, a 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm pistol with additional ammunition were also seized by the authorities.

As of this article’s publication, Otey remains in custody and his bond has been set at $850,000 according to arrest records.

He is charged with two counts of manufacture, delivery, sale of a controlled substance and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon.

A court date has been set for Monday, October 27^th. 

READ MORE HERE about recent gang member arrests in Tennessee.

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.  You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.