UPDATE: Man charged in alleged illegal drug operation at home of missing 8-month-old

OHIO COUNTY, Ky. – New details are emerging regarding ties to the family of a missing 8-month-old from Ohio County.

Kentucky State Police say they have charged a man for his role in an illegal drug operation staged at the home of Miya Rudd, a missing 8-month-old girl.

According to the release, Brodie Payne, 28, of Reynolds Station, Kentucky, was arrested in May. He is charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine), trafficking in legendary drugs, trafficking in marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, engaging in organized crime and wanton endangerment. in the first degree.

Authorities say Payne was served by KSP at the Daviess County Detention Center after the Daviess County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit began a months-long investigation.

Police say Payne was using UPS during the drug trafficking operation.

Payne was arrested May 20 after officers said they found him with a half-pound of methamphetamine and about three-quarters of pills suspected to contain fentanyl. Payne had been living with Rudd for about six months before he was arrested, according to authorities.

Police also arrested and charged another person connected to the family with drug offenses on Sunday. Timothy Roach, 37, was arrested while police searched the home of the child's grandparents. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Four of the baby's grandparents were also arrested, including Billie Smith, 49, Ricky Smith, 56, David Tucker, 53, and Taletha Tucker, 50.

The infant's parents were also arrested. Police say Cage Rudd and Tesla Tucker were uncooperative during the search for their 8-month-old child, Miya Rudd. Investigators say Miya Rudd was last seen by family members in April. So far, troopers have not been able to locate the baby, even after cadaver dogs were brought in to help in the search.

The investigation is ongoing.