PRINCIPAL ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

An elementary school principal faces several drug-related charges after a
17-year-old juvenile was taken to Pikeville Medical Center early Saturday
morning, according to documents at the Pike County Detention Center.

Kyle Tackett, principal of G.F. Johnson Elementary School in Virgie, was
arrested after Kentucky State Police Trooper Ivan Sewell responded to a
possible overdose call at Tackett's residence at 848 Long Fork Road in Virgie.

Pike County school board member Earl Thacker confirmed Tackett's employment
at the school based on information in his school system handbook.

Tackett was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a minor,
second-degree possession of a controlled substance - first offense
hallucinogens, possession of marijuana and one count of first-degree
unlawful transaction with a minor.

According to the arrest report, Tackett provided the minor with "mushrooms"
- - a hallucinogen.

The minor was transported to Pikeville Medical Center.

According to the arrest report, Tackett admitted to doing mushrooms with
the juvenile and a search of the premises turned up more drugs.

Tackett was booked into the Pike County Detention Center - at 6:20 a.m.
yesterday moring - where he remained lodged as of yesterday afternoon.