On Nov. 15 at approximately 5:30 AM, Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department Emergency Services Unit, Knox County Sheriff’s Office TRU and MVPD Detective Division executed a search warrant at 127 N. Center St.

According to a press release, the search warrant was the result of an ongoing drug investigation by the Mount Vernon Police Department into illicit activities being conducted at the residence. During the search of the residence, a large quantity of drugs, items of drug abuse, cash and a handgun were seized. 

The home’s resident, Ashley Bales (age 25), was arrested and charged with drug possession and having a weapon while under disability. She was transported to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Jail where she was incarcerated without incident. Additional charges may follow, and the investigation continues. 

The Mount Vernon Police Department is a member of the METRICH Enforcement Unit, a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task force. The task force is dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life for the citizens of the METRICH region by reducing the availability of illegal drugs and weapons through community  partnerships and promoting safe, secure neighborhoods.

“The Mount Vernon Police Department would like to thank our Law Enforcement partners and the citizens of Mount Vernon for their partnership, assistance and patience during this investigation,” the release stated.