Cookeville, TN – A Wednesday morning drug bust in Cookeville, Tennessee resulted in the arrest of a documented gang member and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash, authorities reported.
Search Warrant Executed in Cookeville
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) executed a search warrant at a residence on the 700 block of Cardinal Street around 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 17. About an hour later, officers stopped Kevin Otey, a known gang member, while he was driving nearby.
Shortly after, the PCSO SWAT team entered Otey’s home to complete the search.
Items Seized During Operation
Officials reported recovering:
- Cocaine
- 126 grams of marijuana
- Ammunition
- Two firearms: a 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm pistol
- $3,869 in cash
The seizure reflects the serious criminal activity linked to Otey and his documented membership in the “Traveling Vice Lords” gang.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Otey faces multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of manufacture, delivery, or sale of a controlled substance
- Two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon
He remains in jail on an $850,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 27.
Multi-Agency Operation
The operation involved coordination among several agencies, including:
- Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO)
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force
- Algood Police Department
- Putnam County SWAT team
Authorities have not released further information, but emphasized the importance of multi-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking and gang activity.
Community Impact and Safety
Operations like this aim to reduce drug-related crime and gang activity in local neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and stay informed about law enforcement updates in Cookeville and Putnam County.
Have you noticed drug activity or gang presence in your community? Share your observations in the comments below.
