Meth lab busted; four arrested


Thursday, August 2, 2012
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Meth lab busted; four arrested

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Courtesy photo

Pictured are some of the items used in the crystal methamphetamine lab that were confiscated.

An active crystal methamphetamine lab was taken down by a Hazmat team after Marshall County law officers searched a property on Woodsdale Circle July 24, according to sheriff Kenny Dickerson.

Officers proceeded to the residence and found the house filled with fumes and toxic steam in the mid-afternoon Tuesday of last week, he said.

Four people were arrested in connection with the lab operation, Dickerson said, including one who fled the scene into woods and was located by K-9 specialists.

Hazmat specialists dismantled the lab wearing protective suits, masks and equipment and processed the evidence, the sheriff said.

Arrested in connection with this incident were Kimberly Ann Beal, 41, of the Woodsdale Circle address area; Geanie Michelle Lutts, 44, of the Old Highway 78 area in Olive Branch; Joseph James Beers, 41, of 524 A. Robert Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri; and John Anthony Charles, 40, of 72 Tammy Lane, Water Valley.

Officer Michael Garner and his K-9 partner apprehended Beers in dense woods approximately two hours after officers arrived at the scene, Dickerson said.

He praised his investigative teams for handling a risky investigation under less than optimal temperatures.

“It was extremely hazardous and stressful due to the heat index, which was about 110 at the time, and because of the toxic fumes and chemicals in the house,” Dickerson said.

The four suspects are being held in the Marshall County jail awaiting justice court preliminary hearings. The suspects were charged with manufacture of crystal methamphetamine with intent to sell, the sheriff said.

Beers was also charged with resisting arrest and on flight-related charges, he said.

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