On January 31 at approximately 1503 hours, Detective Keith Kile observed Erica Howe operating a red Chevrolet Camaro on Paint Rock Ferry road. Detective Kile had knowledge that Erica Howe had a warrant for her arrest out of Roane County General Sessions Court for failure to appear. Detective Kile performed a traffic stop on the red Camaro on Dogwood Lane.

Upon speaking with Ms. Howe, she stated that she didn’t have any license for Detective Kile. Detective Kile placed Erica Howe under arrest for the outstanding warrant. An inventory of the vehicle revealed numerous baggies that are commonly used for the sale of illegal drugs, a set of digital scales, $4649.00 in cash, and a small Sentry safe.

A narcotics drug dog was brought to the scene and alerted the vehicle.

A search warrant was applied for and granted for the small Sentry safe. When the safe was opened, 174.2 grams of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine were discovered.

Erika Howe was placed under arrest and transported to the Roane County Detention Center for the outstanding warrant.

On 02/13/2023, this case was presented before the Roane County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury returned indictments for driving on a revoked license, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while in possession of methamphetamine, and manufacture/sale/ delivery of methamphetamine.

The Kingston Police Department would like to thank agents with the Harriman Police Department, Roane County Sheriff’s Department, TBI, and the 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for their help on this case.