Preble County Deputies investigating the welfare of children led to the discovery of a methamphetamine lab yesterday, February 21, 2012 at approximately 2:30 P.M. at 1452 Leon Drive, west of West Alexandria.
Deputies were acting on concerns from a caller who stated that children were living in a residence where drugs were possibly being made. Deputies made contact with a female who rents the property, and received consent to look around the residence. It was then that deputies discovered equipment used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. The lab was set up in the basement of the residence.
A subsequent search of the residence revealed a substantial amount of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing process, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine. Deputies obtained a search warrant for a room in the residence which was being rented to a third party. Deputies located a small amount of methamphetamine in this room as well.
Deputies contacted Preble County Children Services to assist with placement of two children, both under the age of (12), who reside at the residence. The children were not home at the time of the incident, but arrived home from school while deputies were there. The children were placed with family members.
Deputies arrested a 32 year old male, of West Alexandria and a 28 year old female of West Alexandria, and housed them in the Preble County Jail on the following charges:
(1) Count of Possession of Drugs, a 5th degree felony
(1) Count of Assembly or Possession of Chemicals to Manufacture Drugs, a 3rd degree felony
A second woman age 36, of West Alexandria, was arrested and housed in the jail on (1) count of Possession of Drugs, a 5th degree felony.
All three adults were residing at the residence. PCSO clandestine lab technicians were assisted at the scene by technicians from BCI & I and Middletown PD. West Alexandria Fire & EMS also assisted at the scene.
Deputies will present their case to the Prosecutor’s Office today for filing of formal charges. Additional charges may be filed in this case.
Sheriff Mike Simpson
