Bus Driver Arrested In Drug Sting

POSTED: 2:14 am EST November 28, 2007
UPDATED: 5:59 am EST November 28, 2007

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A Jefferson County school bus driver is among seven people facing charges after a federal drug sting.

Paula Roberts is accused of helping her son deliver several kilos of cocaine shipped-in from the Mexican border.

Drug enforcement agents raided her West Louisville home last week. Roberts' husband admitted agents found drug paraphernalia, but he said they never knew it was hidden there. JCPS officials told us Roberts drove a bus for the last eight years and said there's no evidence she delivered the drugs while on her route.

She's been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case.
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Seven jailed on cocaine charges
School bus driver allegedly involved

By Jason Riley
jriley@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Seven people, including a Jefferson County Public Schools bus driver, have been arrested on federal drug charges alleging they have been shipping several pounds of cocaine from Arizona to Louisville.

Federal authorities last week searched the defendants' homes, finding more than 13 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $600,000, as well as weapons and about $100,000 in cash, according to officials and court records.

Based on evidence gained through wiretapping since July, Paula Roberts, the bus driver, is accused of storing cocaine for her son, Dominique Kemp, and delivering the product to another home for distribution.

During a search of Roberts' home, authorities found cocaine residue, cocaine wrappers and digital scales, among other items, according to court records.

Roberts, who has been working for the school district since 1999, has been suspended without pay, said Rick Caple, transportation director for JCPS.

Yearly background checks are done on employees and Roberts "has always checked out," Caple said.

Caple said he has spoken with DEA officials and that there is no evidence that suggests Roberts' job as a bus driver was connected to the case.

U.S. Attorney David Huber said the case will be presented to a grand jury next week. He declined to discuss specifics of the case.

Those arrested include Roberts, Kemp, Murrel Belmar, Byron Mayes, Luis Arenas-Sanchez, Alfred Rivas-Lopez and Samantha Turner.

They are each charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and have a Dec. 20 arraignment date. If convicted, they could serve from 10 years to life in prison. All but Turner remain in custody.

Roberts' attorney did not return a phone call. Kemp's attorney, Brian Butler, said his client "anxiously awaits the production of the government's evidence against him."

Defense attorney Keith Kamenish, who represents Mayes, said it was "too early to tell how strong the case will be."

Reporter Jason Riley can be reached at (502) 582-4727. Reporter Sara Cunningham contributed to this story.
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