09/03/2026
MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION LEADS TO MURDER, WITNESS TAMPERING AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING ARRESTS
A multi-agency investigation spanning Harlan and Bell counties resulted in several arrests Tuesday, September 1, and Wednesday, September 2, in connection with the death of Bobby Smith and an ongoing investigation involving Smith’s brother, Darrell Carnahan.
Bell County Detective Hunter Luttrell worked alongside federal, state and local authorities during the investigation and arrests.
Carnahan was arrested in July on multiple s*x-related offenses and has remained lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.
On Tuesday, September 1, personnel with the United States Marshals Service apprehended Landon Pace in connection with the investigation.
The operation continued into the early morning hours Wednesday.
At approximately 1 a.m., Harlan County Sheriff’s Sgt. Caleb Carmical, Deputy Jesse Howard and Loyall Police Officer Ben Pace responded to a residence in the Loyall community to serve three warrants as part of the joint federal investigation. After officers made entry into the residence, all three individuals being sought were located.
According to investigators, the investigation revealed that Carnahan had been communicating from the Bell County Detention Center with Tonya Monroe, Cody Pace and Landon Pace.
Investigators allege Carnahan asked the three to contact witnesses and attempt to persuade them to change their testimony against him.
Bobby Smith, who held power of attorney for his brother, was considered a key witness against Carnahan in the s*x trafficking investigation. Smith was found dead in Harlan during the final week of August.
Investigators say Smith had not been complying with requests to send money to pay Carnahan’s bills and provide money for his jail commissary account.
Following Carnahan’s arrest, Monroe and the Pace brothers had moved into Carnahan’s residence.
According to investigators, monitored jail text messages helped establish that Monroe and the Pace brothers allegedly received financial and residential benefits following Smith’s death.
Investigators further allege evidence was destroyed by burning and that a cellular phone was concealed. Authorities also allege content involving drug-related digital evidence concerning a third party was deleted.
Monroe was allegedly found in possession of Smith’s food and debit card. Investigators say monitored messages indicate she received a direct financial benefit following Smith’s death.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific evidence recovered during the ex*****on of search warrants, but investigators believe the evidence is directly related to the criminal charges filed in the case.
Another woman, Star Halcomb, was also arrested in connection with the investigation.
A separate arrest was made Wednesday morning when 31-year-old Joseph Jackson of Bell County was taken into custody. Jackson faces charges including human trafficking involving commercial s*x activity and engaging in organized crime.
Cody Pace, Landon Pace and Star Halcomb were lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center. Tonya Monroe was transported to the Bell County Detention Center, while Joseph Jackson was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Landon Pace and Cody Pace have each been charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, intimidating a participant in the legal process and tampering with a witness.
Tonya Monroe has been charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, intimidating a participant in the legal process, tampering with a witness, theft by receipt of a stolen debit card, fraudulent use of a credit card involving $1,000 to less than $10,000, and wanton abuse or neglect of an adult by a person.
Star Halcomb has been charged with intimidating a participant in the legal process and tampering with a witness.
The United States Marshals Service Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force led the apprehension operation with assistance from the participating local agencies.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the charges filed against those arrested are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
