VERONA —Two people were arrested last week after authorities discovered a meth lab inside a residence which housed a family which included six children.
Preble County Sheriff’s deputies located and dismantled the methamphetamine lab on Wednesday, April 6, at 136 North Commerce Street in Verona, at approximately 7:15 p.m., according to Sheriff Mike Simpson, after receiving tips and follow-upon those tips being completed by deputies.
Investigators received consent to search the residence from the occupant and located the lab in the basement of the home, according to Simpson, who said investigators found equipment and chemicals consistent with the manufacturing and processing of methamphetamine, as well as a significant amount of finished methamphetamine.
Clandestine lab technicians from the Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation processed the scene and removed the chemicals for disposal, Simpson reported.
According to Simpson, deputies determined that a male and female, along with six children, reside in the home.
“The children range in age from 3 years old to 16 years old,” Simpson said. “All were in the residence when investigators arrived.”
Preble County Children Services responded to the scene, according to Simpson, and handled placement of the children with family.
Investigators arrested the two adults and housed them in the Preble County Jail.
Arrested were David Haney, 39, of the Commerce Street residence in Verona, and Tamara L. Smith, also of the Commerce Street residence.
Haney was charged with illegal assembly or possession of chemicals to manufacture drugs, a felony of the second degree; illegal manufacture of drugs, a felony of the first degree; endangering children, a felony of the third degree and possession of drugs, a felony of the second degree. Smith was charged with third degree felony endangering children.
Investigators submitted the investigation to the Preble County Prosecutor’s Office for review and filing of formal charges in Eaton Municipal Court.
According to Simpson, deputies were assisted on the scene by the Verona Fire Department and Lewisburg Fire & EMS.
