DTF makes 4 meth lab arrests
Published 9:16 pm Friday, March 6, 2009
Following the third set of arrests stemming from a methamphetamine lab found two weeks ago in Opp, four local residents are in jail — two after leading law enforcement on an eight-mile high speed pursuit Wednesday.
This week’s series of arrests began Tues., March 4, with the arrest of Brenton Anderson, 25, of Red Level. It continued with the arrests of Timothy Hurst, 39, of Red Level, and Jenny Parmer, 19, of Opp; and concluded Thursday with the arrest of Sanchez Peacock, 32, of Opp.
On Feb. 20, 30-year-old David Bradley Godwin and 22-year-old Ashley Michelle Cox were arrested and charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of a child and a variety of drug charges including manufacturing and possession after agents located not only marijuana but also the pseudoephedrine, red phosphorus and iodine used to make meth inside their South Jackson Street home.
Last Friday, William Merritt, 21, and Hannah Jones, 24, were arrested and charged with second-degree manufacturing and first-degree conspiracy to manufacture as information was gathered that pointed to their alleged involvement in the lab.
This most recent set of arrests follows the same set of circumstances, DTF Sgt. Ray Dixon said.
“With the help of the Alabama Beverage Control Board, we were able to serve a search warrant on a residence on Gorum Bridge Road in Red Level — the home of Timothy Hurst,” he said. “There we found all the necessary items to make meth, as well as bi-layered liquid and smoking devices.
“On Thursday night, things were interesting,” he said. “While attempting to make an arrest during an undercover operation, we were led on an eight-mile vehicle pursuit that ended with the vehicle wrecking and the driver fleeing into the woods.”
Dixon said the pursuit began in Andalusia with officers from the DTF, Andalusia Police Department and the Covington County Sheriff’s Office attempting to stop the vehicle.
“The pursuit ended when the vehicle was wrecked on King Road,” he said. “The driver, Sanchez Peacock, fled into a wooded area but was taken into custody a short time later.”
Peacock is charged with second-degree manufacturing, conspiracy to dilute a controlled substance, two counts of reckless endangerment, violation of probation, as well as “numerous” traffic citations. He is being held on a $306,000 bond.
The occupant, Jenny Parmer, was charged with second degree manufacturing and conspiracy to dilute a controlled substance. She was held on a $300,000 bond.
“We said last week we expected more arrests as a result of the meth lab in Opp,” Dixon said. “We made good on that. We at the DTF hope that the dealers and users are getting the hint that the police and the communities are tired of this problem that continues to haunt our county.
“Anyone who continues to involve themselves in illegal drug activity should know, it will eventually catch up with you and we will put you in jail,” he said. “Don’t wait until the handcuffs go on and the door slams shut to realize that it’s time for a change in life.
“Make the choice to quit now,” he said.
Anderson is charged with second-degree manufacturing and bond was set at $200,000.
In total, eight people have been arrested in conjunction with the Opp meth lab.