As part of the continuing investigation
into the disappearance of Samantha Sperry, officials on Tuesday searched an area of Bell
Road in Graves County near the Marshall County line. Around noon, K-9 teams and Graves
County sheriff’s detectives were searching a densely wooded area
near the Bell Road and Dooms Chapel Road intersection.
K-9’s
alerted to an area in the woods there. A closer examination of the
ground revealed a tunnel dug out into a large underground room. A
deputy went down into the bunker type hole and discovered a living
quarters underground, as well as a man hiding inside.
The man was identified as 41-year-old Earnest Dean Hendrickson of Symsonia. Hendrickson became a fugitive last November. He was on parole for manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, theft of anhydrous ammonia with the intent to manufacture meth, fleeing or evading police, tampering with physical evidence, wanton endangerment, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, as well as additional convictions, in Graves, Lyon, McCracken, and Marshall counties.
Hendrickson was paroled from prison almost a year ago. Police say he violated the terms of his parole by absconding parole supervision, failure to complete treatment for substance abuse, use of meth, use of marijuana, use of alcohol and failure to report to parole officer.
After the arrest warrant was issued for Hendrickson last November, law enforcement officials tried to locate him at a Bell Road home which was listed as his address. Police say the home actually belongs to a close relative and is located several hundred yards from the wooded area where the underground bunker was found.
Two-way radio equipment was found underground in the living quarters and is believed to have been the method of communication Hendrickson used with people at the Bell Road home in his attempt to evade capture. Other drug related items were also recovered. Food, clothing and other related items were also found.
A second smaller underground type bunker was located a short distance from the first one an hour or so later.
Hendrickson was transported to the Mayfield Police Department and interviewed by detectives with the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, Mayfield Police, and Kentucky State Police. He was then lodged at the Graves County Jail.
