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Monday, June 22, 2009

Children Removed From Home Where Parents Manufactured Meth

   Parents were arrested, deputies treated for inhaling toxic fumes, and three young children were removed from their home last week after authorities discovered the parents of the youngsters had established a methamphetamine lab inside.

   Deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department made their way to the 20 Blessing Road home around 6:00 p.m. Thursday after they received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding a possible meth lab on the premises.

   Residents Melanie and Joseph Estes told deputies they were unable to grant permission for a search of the home due to the fact that they only lived there, and did not own the home. Both, deputies noted, appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine.

   When the homeowner arrived on the scene, he stated that he was not aware that drugs were being manufactured inside the structure. The homeowner indicated he had allowed the Estes and their three children to live at his home. When questioned about their possible drug activities, the homeowner did admit that “they do stay awake a lot,” and that when he goes to bed “they go outside.” He quickly gave both verbal and written consent for a search of the premises to be conducted.

   During the search agents report finding straws bearing meth residue, a baggie of meth inside a purse, lithium batteries, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tubing, receipts for and blister packs that had contained the drug pseudoephedrine, several various pills, coffee filters, large quantities of ammonia nitrate, acetone, HEET, Ace cold packs, paint thinner, a propane torch with a cylinder, generators, salt, various other items of paraphernalia used to manufacture meth, battery cases with the lithium removed, and residue from a white crystalline substance believed to be meth. In addition, deputies report they moved some clothing in a corner of a bedroom to find Mason jars filled with some type of liquid.

   While searching ten large garbage bags outside the residence, deputies report they located a white plastic bag. When it was opened the two agents nearest the items were confronted with a white cloud of sulfuric acid. Both began to cough and have trouble breathing, as did a deputy standing behind the crime scene tape. Agents quickly called for an ambulance and hazardous materials team. The crime scene was subsequently cleared of all individuals until the danger could be further assessed.

   Meth lab certified agents with the Lawrenceburg Police Department were dispatched to the scene to assist with the continuance of the operation. According to reports, a second white bag was removed from the garbage bags. It, too, emitted a cloud of sulfuric acid when opened.   

   Cleanup at the home was completed later in the evening without further mishap. The three affected agents, Investigator Gary Mills, Investigator Jeff Dunn, and Deputy Brian Thomason went through the decontamination process and were transported to Crockett Hospital for medical attention. They were treated at the facility, then later released.

   Melanie Carol Estes, age 38, was arrested on charges that include initiation of meth manufacture, promotion of meth manufacturing, possession of Schedule II methamphetamine, possession of Schedule IV Xanax, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and three counts of child neglect. Joseph Paul Estes, age 32, was booked under charges of initiation of meth manufacture, promotion of meth manufacturing, possession of Schedule II methamphetamine for the purpose of resale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and three counts of child endangerment.

   The couple’s children were released into the custody of a relative.

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