WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A routine shoplifting complaint quickly escalated into a serious drug bust after authorities identified a suspect caught on surveillance stealing knives and a flashlight from a local store.
Corporal Zach Cook of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office received the larceny report on April 9. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m., when surveillance footage showed a male and a female at the store counter. The male suspect, Gregory Kenneda, was recognized from prior law enforcement encounters.
The footage revealed Kenneda stealing three case knives and a flashlight, totaling $370 in merchandise, while the cashier was momentarily distracted. A warrant for petit larceny was issued the same day.
On April 12, Cpl. Cook and Sgt. Mall Lane, located Kenneda, “nodded out” in his truck at his residence in Wyoming County. Upon taking him into custody, deputies discovered two baggies of powdery substances and a third containing multiple white pills in his pockets. A search of his wallet also revealed $1,532 in cash.
Post-Miranda, Kenneda admitted the substances were methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Field tests confirmed approximately 10 grams of meth, 4 grams of fentanyl, and 14 oxycodone pills — all Schedule II controlled substances.
Multiple cell phones were also seized during the arrest. All evidence, including the drugs and cash, was logged and is awaiting confirmation from the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory.
Kenneda is facing multiple charges, including petit larceny and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
