Yet another person is facing charges as Kentucky State Police continues the search for a missing 8-month-old in Ohio County, though again the offenses are specifically drug-related. The search continues for the child.
Authorities have been searching for 8-month-old Miya Rudd since the start of June. Eight people — including the child’s parents and both sets of grandparents — have been arrested to date, though not all charges are directly related to the missing child. Read here for our detailed coverage about the investigation to this point, including a timeline of arrests and charges.
On Thursday, KSP announced that 28-year-old Brodie C. Payne has been charged for his role in the illegal drug operation held at the Rudd residence.
Payne was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (greater than 2 grams – methamphetamine), trafficking of legend drugs, trafficking in marijuana, engaging in organized crime, possession of paraphernalia, and first-degree wanton endangerment, according to KSP.
Payne was served by KSP at the Daviess County Detention Center. According to the release, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) started a drug trafficking investigation on Payne months prior to his arrest by KSP.
The investigation revealed Payne was using USPS to facilitate his drug trafficking operation, KSP said. Investigators coordinated with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Kentucky State Police DE/SI and arrested Payne on May 20 with .5 pounds of meth and approximately .75 pounds of suspected fentanyl-laced pills.
Payne had been residing at the Rudd household in Reynolds Station for approximately 6 months prior to his arrest, according to KSP.
The investigation is ongoing.
