Man arrested by PCSO facing federal meth charges

Apr. 19—A Louisville man arrested in Pulaski County on drug charges is now facing a federal case.

Desmond Scruse, 32, was arrested on February 2 by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office after a traffic stop conducted on Boat Dock Road.

However, according to federal court documents, Scruse was known to local law enforcement for several months prior.

The complaint filed in U.S. District Court in London states that PCSO conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine through a confidential informant on December 9, 2023.

According to information provided by the FBI, the confidential informant was given $350 to purchase meth from Scruse. That informant then picked up Scruse in the Ferguson area of Ky. 914 and drove to a Bend of Lake Road residence to make the deal.

PCSO confirmed that the informant bought one ounce of crystal meth from Scruse.

On February 2, FBI Task Force Officer and PCSO Detective Trent Massey was told that a second confidential informant could purchase 13 ounces of meth from Scruse.

They arranged a meeting between Scruse and the informant at a Somerset bingo hall, then PCSO set up surveillance on Boat Dock Road to watch for Scruse's vehicle.

"A white Pontiac was observed driven by Scruse," the court documents states. "Massey followed the vehicle and observed the vehicle cross the center line on two occasions. A traffic stop was initiated."

Massy states that when he approached the vehicle, he found a "large bag of marijuana in the driver's side door, aside Scruse's leg."

A search of the vehicle reportedly turned up two bags of marijuana and a bag containing 344 grams of crystal meth.

A PCSO press release written at the time of the arrest stated that the search also turned up digital scales, a glass pipe, syringes and baggies.

During booking at the Pulaski County Detention Center, PCSO stated that jailers found $2,350 in cash hidden on him as well.

According to court documents, Scruse has been placed in the custody of the United States Marshals.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 23 in U.S. District Court.

Readers are reminded that a charge is an accusation only, and that all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Carla Slavey can be reached at cslavey@somerset-kentucky.com