Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Two County Drug Operation Lands Giles Couple In Jail

   A two-county drug operation netted the arrest last week of a Giles County couple, suspected of manufacturing the drug methamphetamine at their home, with their three young children present.

   Officials with the Giles County Sheriff’s Department report that the arrest occurred around 10:00 Tuesday night at the 1811 Choates Creek Road home of John and Jessica Ratliff, ages 33 and 30.

   The investigation originated at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. Officials there contacted the Giles County department. Giles officials report that Narcotics Investigator Michael Thomason was sent to the home to investigate, after having received information regarding the manufacture of meth at the residence. While inside, Thomason reported seeing various ingredients used to manufacture meth, located in different portions of the home. As a result, Thomason obtained a search warrant for the premises.

   In the wake of the investigation, both Ratliffs were arrested on charges of initiation of the process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine. In addition, both parents face three charges of child abuse and child neglect.

   The couple’s youngsters, ages 4, 5, and 9, were removed from the home and placed under the supervision of the Department of Children Services.

   Both Ratliffs were incarcerated at the Giles county Jail under a bond of $33,500 apiece.

.