Meth lab bust results in 2 arrests

DEPUTY - An Austin woman and a Deputy man were arrested Friday in connection with a methamphetamine lab uncovered at a Jefferson County home.

Responding to information from a variety of sources, Indiana State Police assisted by Jefferson County Sheriff's Department drove to 1371 N. 1350W to investigate reports of what had been described as a "Large" meth lab, police said.

When officers, including Trooper Nate Adams, knocked on the door of the residence, they were met by the homeowner, Matthew Riley, 24. Officers smelled a strong "chemical" or "solvent" smell from inside the residence when Riley opened the door police said. While making a protective sweep of the residence, officers found a female later identified as Melody Stidham, 30 of Austin.

During the sweep of the residence, officers noticed various items commonly associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine and then secured the residence and obtained a search warrant to do a more thorough search.

Since it was suspected that a meth lab was in operation at the residence, the ISP Clandestine Lab Team responded. A search of the residence revealed a "large, sophisticated methamphetamine lab in operation," police said. In addition to finding the lab, officers also located a stolen vehicle on the property.

The lab was dismantled by the ISP Clandestine Lab Team and Riley and Stidham were both taken into custody without incident.

Riley was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, a Class B felony; possession of methamphetamine, Class D felony); possession of precursors, Class D felony; and maintaining a common nuisance, Class D felony.

Stidham was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, visiting a common nuisance, Class B misdemeanor, and possession of paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanor.

The investigation into the recovery of the stolen vehicle is still continuing.

Depending on the outcome of that investigation, Riley and Stidham could face additional charges, police said.

Indiana State Police were assisted in the investigation by Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and Madison Police Department.