POLICE: Crime ring was trying to recruit gang members

LAGRANGE, Ky. (WDRB) -- New details have been revealed about an organized crime ring in Oldham County. Eight people are behind bars.

Residents describe West Madison Street in LaGrange as a quiet neighborhood and say they're shocked at what police say was happening at this home.

Eight people ranging in age from 18 to 22 years old are being held at the Oldham County Jail after an investigation into organized crime and drug trafficking. Four of them are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

LaGrange Police Chief Kevin Collett says, "There were no guns that were talked about during the plot, but there was some talk of stabbing individuals and disposing their bodies in a ditch line and that's what really raised our red flags. They actually had a plan in place here."

Collett says the two potential victims are safe. The investigation started after suspicions of drug activity just three weeks ago.

But officers say they learned they were part of a gang with possible Louisville and Shelbyville ties. Collett says, "Part of that gang activity was the recruitment of individuals in our community to recruit into a gang called Southside Crips." Police say they're still researching more about that gang.

Police say they found drugs believed to be cocaine inside the duplex, as well as a 15-year-old. They say they don't believe that teen was involved in the crimes. Police say some of the arrested are familiar names to them.

One of the men, 19-year-old Roger Wilson was charged last year with three others, in the drug related death of teen Summer Williams. The coroner ruled she died from an overdose of the painkiller Opana.

For this case, police say they're still making sure they have all the people involved in the crime ring.

Collett says, "We're still pretty much early on, as far as the follow-ups to it whether further charges will be placed on potential victims."

The eight are expected to be arraigned sometime next week.