Police: Drug charges after officer watches transaction

RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ) — On June 9, Richmond patrol officer says they observed two people exchanging what looked to be a drug transaction.

Michael G Moren and Larae Williamson were reportedly standing in front of the Second Street Redi Mart around 12:30 in the morning. The officer said they watched as Moren and Williamson exchanged what the officer suspected to be drugs.

The officer said they approached the two suspects, who then started walking in different directions. Police say they witnessed Williamson hiding an object near a parked vehicle, while the officer also says Moren discarded an object into a metal rack beside the store.

Officers say they retrieved the items, finding a baggie of heroin and a woman’s purse containing two syringes and spoon, next to the parked vehicle. On the metal rack, police say they found a cigarette pack with two hydrocodone pills, five clonazepam pills, a small amount of cash, and several empty plastic baggies.

According to Richmond Police, Moren gave his brother’s name when asked to identify himself. It was later discovered, officials say, that Moren was also violating parole for a previous theft and controlled substance possession conviction, and had an existing warrant for that violation.

The parole violation was served on Moren, says police, as well as Theft of Identity of Another and Possession of a Controlled Substance in the first and third degree, and Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree.

Meanwhile, Williamson is being charged with First degree  possession of a controlled substance, of drug paraphernalia, and a Failure to Appear bench warrant from the Clark District Court.

Both Williamson and Moren were charged, police say, with tampering with evidence on top of drug related charges.