Melodie Phelps, News Editor
CNHI
8-25-10 — Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force Director David Gilbert and two agents from the task force had their police powers restored last Wednesday, August 18, when they were sworn in under the Monticello Police Department by Mayor Kenneth Catron.
The Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force had their police powers stripped several weeks ago, when Somerset's Acting Police Chief Doug Nelson followed through on a threat to remove their powers after a disagreement between Nelson and Gilbert over the potential hiring of retired federal marshal Mike Walters. Shortly after Nelson made it clear he didn't want Walters to be hired, questions arose about the legitimacy of the three agents' employment with the City of Somerset.
The City of Monticello took steps several weeks ago, in preparation for the day when the Drug Task Force might be looking for a new fiscal agent. But as Monticello Police Chief Ralph Miniard noted, it was something they were hoping would not have to occur.
Miniard, who has served on the board of directors for the Drug Task Force for almost all 17 years of its existence, said that the organization hoped to continue to operate as it has, through the City of Somerset. But the board made the decision last week to allow Monticello to swear in the agents and become the grantee for federal funds for the agency.
"The actual base of operation (for the Drug Task Force) will not change," said Miniard. "Everything will continue as it is...They will get their police powers from Monticello instead of Somerset."
There has been some question over whether the LCADTF will lose its funding if another city besides Somerset becomes its fiscal agent. Miniard said that the state has approved the change and that grant funds through Appalachian HIDTA will continue through December.
"The Drug Task Force is a very valuable asset to our community and we will continue to do whatever we have to do to preserve that asset," said Miniard.