Man charged for role in illegal drug operation detained at missing baby's home

REYNOLDS STATION, Ky. (WBKO) – Kentucky State Police troopers have charged a man for his role in an illegal drug operation staged at the home of missing 8-month-old Miya Rudd.

The Daviess County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) initiated a drug investigation into Brodie C. Payne, 28, of Reynolds Station, months before his arrest.

The investigation revealed that Payne used the USPS to facilitate his drug trafficking operations. Investigators coordinated with the United States Postal Inspection Service and Kentucky State Police (DE/SI). He was arrested May 20 with 1/2 pound of methamphetamine and approximately 3/4 pound of pills suspected to contain fentanyl.

Payne had been staying with Rudd for approximately six months before his arrest.

He was served by Kentucky State Police at the Daviess County Detention Center in Owensboro.

He was charged with first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (more than 2 grams – methamphetamine), trafficking in legendary drugs, trafficking in marijuana, participating in organized crime, possession of paraphernalia and wanton endangerment to first degree.

The investigation is ongoing.

To date, eight people have been arrested in connection with the investigation into the baby's disappearance.

You can find the full timeline of the investigation below:

Copyright 2024 WBKO. All rights reserved.