Staff Report

 

WILLOW WOOD — Two people were arrested Thursday after five active and as many as 40 inactive shake and bake-style meth labs were found at a home in Willow Wood, making it the largest meth lab bust ever in Lawrence County, according to Sheriff Jeff Lawless.

According to a release from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, tips led an Adult Probation Agency officer to the home at 3996 County Road 64 at about 2:15 p.m. on suspicions that a probationer was manufacturing methamphetamine at his residence.

The probation officer, along with a Lawrence County Sheriff Deputy and a member of the Lawrence County Drug and Major Crime Task Force went to this residence to conduct a home check on the probationer, at which time they allegedly found the meth labs.

Of the 40 inactive labs, some had already been used to make meth, while others were ready to make the drug, according to the release.

Deputies arrested Jason E. Reed, 34, and Sherry G. White, 34, who both lived at the residence.

“This is the largest single meth lab operation that I have ever seen in Lawrence County,” Lawless said. “Cooking this product is a dangerous and volatile situation that puts everyone’s life in danger. I am thankful that our tipster notified authorities about the situation.”

According to the release, both suspects admitted their involvement in the manufacturing of meth and were charged with illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. They will be arraigned in Lawrence County Municipal Court today.

Deputies with the sheriff’s office and drug task force that are trained in meth cleanup searched and cleaned up the residence. The Windsor Township, Aid Township, Upper Township and Coal Grove volunteer fire departments all assisted in the neutralization and cleanup of the meth labs. The Lawrence County EMS was also on the scene to assist.

The agencies were on scene until about 9:30 p.m.