CORTLAND, Ohio - Two Trumbull County residents are facing drug charges after agents discovered evidence of methamphetamine production at their home in Cortland. The pair faces additional charges because of the presence of children.
Authorities say two small children were inside the North Bank Street duplex when drug task force agents conducted a search of the residence on Monday.
"We believe that the man that was arrested was manufacturing methamphetamine most likely in the basement of the house, for sure outside, and we discovered chemicals used in the manufacturing process in the basement," said a task force leader.
The suspects are 30-year-old Charles Fisher and 25-year-old Kristyn Weldy.
Because of the dangers related to meth manufacturing, agents said there was concern for the children and grandmother who were in the house.
"Once we found the chemicals inside, the next step was just to get them out of the house and make sure they were safe," the agent said.
Both Fisher and Weldy also face a third degree felony charge of child endangering.
The Trumbull County Haz-Mat Response Team was called in to neutralize and remove the materials for proper disposal. But agents say the house is still a safety concern.
"We are going to consult with the homeowner about the potential for chemicals invading the carpet, the drywall, and to see what they're going to do about that," the task force leader said.
Agents also are checking on areas where Fisher may have disposed of the dangerous waste product.
Investigators say it appears that the methamphetamine production was for personal use and not a meth lab for sale to others.
