2nd arrest made in meth lab bust

Published 8:25 pm Wednesday, August 6, 2008

A husband was reunited with his wife Tuesday after investigators with the district attorney placed him in the Covington County Jail on warrants issued for a variety of drug-related charges.

The DA’s office issued the warrants for the arrest of Mark L. Beverly, age 35, of Red Level, in connection with a methamphetamine lab busted by the Drug Task Force on Fri., July 18.

District attorney Greg Gambril said the warrants were issued after DTF agents spotted Beverly driving by the residence.

“My understanding was that he drove by the residence while it was being searched by DTF, but they were unable to make the arrest at that time,” Gambril said.

Mark’s wife, 28-year-old Brandy Beverly, was taken into custody at the time of the initial bust by the DTF. A DTF spokesperson said more than 500 grams of bi-layered liquid — or meth oil — inside the Beverly residence on Welcome Church Road in Red Level. Brandy Beverly was charged with first-degree manufacturing, trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of chemical endangerment of a child.

Mark Beverly’s lawyer contacted the DA’s office, according to Gambril, after Mark Beverly received word concerning the outstanding warrants.

“Mr. Beverly’s attorney had contacted our office and said that Mr. Beverly wanted to turn himself in,” Gambril said. “One of my investigators met with the attorney and Mr. Beverly to make the arrest.”

Beverly was also charged with manufacturing, trafficking, two counts of chemical endangerment of a child and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Covington County Jail on a $1.75 million bond.

Deputies with the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, the Andalusia Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office assisted DTF agents.