BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Authorities suspended search operations Friday evening at the Curtis Crum Reservoir after divers failed to locate any sign of an Inez man who has been missing for more than six months.
Divers from the Ashland Fire Department scoured the reservoir for several hours, deploying sonar technology and conducting deep dives. But their search turned up nothing connected to 59-year-old Jody Pauley.
Sheriff John Kirk said his office launched the search early Friday morning after receiving an anonymous tip.
“We have to take these tips seriously,” Kirk said.
With help from Emergency Management and Martin County 911, the sheriff’s office brought in Penny Steffey of the Kentucky Search Dog Association, who began the search with cadaver dogs around 9 a.m.
“We greatly appreciate the assistance of the dive team, Kentucky Search Dog Association, EMS and 911 and all responders,” Kirk added.
Pauley was last seen March 4 near 728 East Main Street in Inez. He is described as 6-foot-1, about 200 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. His family filed a missing person report April 23, prompting an investigation that included aerial drone searches but yielded no leads.
Earlier this month, Kirk said he suspected foul play.
“The circumstances surrounding his disappearance raise troubling questions,” he said Sept. 8. “I believe some people know something but they aren’t saying anything. Someone said Jody had about $800 on him the day he disappeared.”
Kirk noted Pauley was also expecting checks in the mail at the time, a detail that heightened investigators’ concern.
The sheriff urged anyone with information to contact his office at 606-298-2828, or to call 911 or authorities in their county.
