2 arrested in connection with theft

VERNON — An investigation into the reported theft of an all-terrain vehicle Sunday led to the arrest of two Jennings County residents over the weekend, police say.
According to a report from the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, James Ashton, 48, was arrested after police found a methamphetamine lab on a Columbia Township property on Sunday.

Ashton, whose address was not available, faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance.

Ashton’s arrest occurred as police investigated the report of a Yamaha ATV that had been reported stolen from the Butlerville area.

Police said the owner of the ATV, who had remained in the area, then told police he had spotted a person on his ATV on the road.

Police said they then arrested Richard Daniel Woodard, 27, of Deputy on a possession of stolen property charge.

Woodard also was wanted on a Jennings County warrant for manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of precursors with intent to manufacture, possession of anhydrous ammonia, maintaining a common nuisance and resisting law enforcement.

Woodard was booked into the Jennings County Jail in Vernon, where he was being held on $100,000 bond Monday morning.