Kaylieb Thompson arrested after posting threats against police officers and posting photo
An Irvine man whose fiancé died in a case involving accused drug dealer Brian Epperson was arrested Friday on terroristic threatening charges after police said he made threats against officers and Epperson in phone calls and social media posts.
Kaylieb Thompson, 35, was charged with third-degree terroristic threatening following an incident that began Thursday evening at the Red Roof Inn on Interstate Drive.
Thompson’s fiancé, Reacheal Dawson, died in late June in a case where Epperson faces federal charges for distributing meth that caused overdose deaths.
Hotel incident leads to investigation
According to a criminal complaint, Winchester Police were dispatched to 1100 Interstate Drive Red Roof Inn on Dec. 26 at 8:40 p.m. for a report of a male causing problems. A hotel worker told police Thompson had “popped the lock” on a side door to enter the business after the clerk refused to rent him a room.
Thompson left the area before officers arrived. An officer contacted Thompson and advised Thompson that he was trespassed from the Red Roof Inn. Thompson admitted to being at the hotel during the call for service, according to the criminal complaint.
Recorded threats made during phone call
Thompson requested a callback from the officer. According to the officer, during the recorded phone call, Thompson threatened physical harm to Brian Epperson, stating “I’m going to take his fu***** g head off.”
Facebook posts escalate threats
Thompson then posted a video on Facebook in which he threatened Winchester Police Chief Travis Thompson, an officer and Brian Epperson. In the video, Thompson said “here is your warning,” “You want a war, I’m going to give you a war,” and “believe me it’s coming soon, real fu****g soon.”
Thompson immediately posted a picture of an officer’s family on the Facebook post. Police said they have viewed other videos of Thompson making threats toward officers and Epperson.
Connection to federal drug case
Epperson faces two federal counts of distributing meth that caused overdose deaths and could face 20 years to life in prison if convicted. He also faces a state murder charge in Powell County and has been linked to other women who died following interactions with him. Epperson’s trial is set to begin Feb. 2.
Thompson was arrested Friday by Kentucky State Police and taken to Lee County Jail. He was served with three separate warrants for terroristic threatening in the third degree.