Drug Investigation Leads to Trafficking Arrest – Harlan Enterprise

A Harlan County man is facing several charges, including trafficking methamphetamine, after police allegedly found him in possession of suspected methamphetamine and other substances.

Michael Distefano, 54, of Harlan, was arrested by the Harlan County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) on June 1.

According to a press release, around 1 a.m. on June 1, an HCSO deputy was patrolling the Fairview community as part of an ongoing joint drug investigation with the Town of Harlan Police Department. The deputy made contact with Distefano on River Street. Further investigation revealed suspected methamphetamine, suboxone and pills distributed in bags along with cash.

Distefano was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and public intoxication. Distefano was booked into the Harlan County Detention Center on $5,000 cash bail.

In other police activities:

• Brad Florek, 49, of Cumberland, was arrested by the Cumberland City Police Department on June 2. He was charged with first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), third degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, prescription controlled substance not in proper container , operating with a suspended or revoked driver's license, and off-road vehicle violations. Florek was booked into the Harlan County Detention Center on $1,000 cash bail;
• Micheal Clem, 42, of Cawood, was arrested by Kentucky State Police on June 2. He was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), resisting arrest, second-degree fleeing or eluding police (on foot), and theft by unlawful taking. Clem was booked into the Harlan County Detention Center on $1,000 cash bail;
• Patrick Bynum, 22, of Harlan, was arrested May 31 by the Town of Harlan Police Department. He was charged with second-degree strangulation, fourth-degree assault, menacing, second-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, public intoxication and third-degree assault. degree (police or probation officer). Bynum was booked into the Harlan County Detention Center on $2,500 cash bail.