Search warrant leads to arrests of 10 people

Ten area residents found themselves in jail Tuesday after an investigation conducted by the Jennings County Sheriff's Department.

According to a press release from Sheriff Steve Hoppock, the arrests occurred after police obtained a search warrant, issued by Jennings Circuit Judge Jon Webster, for a residence in Crystal Glades subdivision.

The home was owned by Kimberly Murray, 48, of North Vernon, and police said Francis "Kyle" Loper, 34, of Scipio, also was staying at the home.

Those arrested included Loper, Murray, Patricia Jordan, 35, Columbus, Jeff Jordan, 31, Columbus, Charles Dixon III, 21, North Vernon, Kenneth Barnett, 36, Columbus, William Reed, 32, Hope, Virl Murray, 39, Columbus, Douglas Joe Boston, 49, Columbus, and Shandi Green, 23, Columbus.

Police said all 10 are charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and were being held on $10,000 bonds at the Jennings County Jail in Vernon. Further arrests are possible as the investigation continues, police reported.

The investigation into the possible manufacture of methamphetamine began when officers checked two vehicles sitting at a business at Indiana 7 and County Road 800N.

During that investigation, police said they found a "large" amount of materials and precursors used to make meth. Investigators said they also found an active chemical reaction where meth was being made.

During the investigation at Murray's residence, police reported that they found more materials used in the process of making meth, along with other paraphernalia and a tank that had been altered to hold anhydrous ammonia, one of the key ingredients in the manufacturing process.

Police also said they found finished methamphetamine at both locations.

Geneva Township firefighters watered down the chemical reaction to make it safe for removal from the scene, and meth suppression officers with the Indiana State Police assisted in recovery and disposal of hazardous materials.