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Three Arrested in Shade Meth Operation
< < Back to three-arrested-shade-meth-operationThree people have been arrested in what appears to be a significant meth-making operation in Shade, Ohio.
In an email release Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly said Leslie W. Storms, 53, of Albany and Tina Storms, 51, were arrested on one count each of manufacturing methamphetamine a felony 2.
Shane Casteel, 36, of Gore Ridge Road in Pomeroy was arrested for tampering with evidence after the Narcotics Enforcement Team, NET, executed a search warrant at 16916 Zion Rd, Shade Ohio.
Kelly's release said the arrests were made after NET Detective Jim Heater received information from a confidential informant that methamphetamine was being produced at the residence of William Morgan, Zion Rd, Shade.
The search warrant covered the residence, outbuildings and an RV occupied by Leslie Storms.
Morgan's residence was searched, however the RV was not present.
Mr. Morgan said that Storms left about two hours prior to the NET's arrival.
While the NET was conducting the search warrant, the RV went past the residence on Zion Rd.
The driver of the RV saw the cruisers and attempted to turn around to leave the area, but got stuck.
Deputies Sam DisAia and John Kulchar made contact with the RV.
Deputy Kulchar's K-9 Ryder indicated on the RV.
A search of the RV revealed several items of drug paraphernalia along with chemicals associated with manufacturing methamphetamine, fourteen reaction vessels, and (1) HCL acid gas generator bottle were located.
According to the release Casteel threw two back packs containing methamphetamine related items out of the vehicle as deputies were approaching the RV.
During the investigation Kelly said detectives learned that Leslie Storms was the main meth cook, assisted by Tina Storms and Casteel.
NET Detectives dismantled and neutralized 14 active reaction vessels and one HCL acid gas generator bottle.
A 1995 Ford RV and $14,700 are subject to forfeiture according to the release.
Additional charges will be presented to grand jury.
All those arrested were transported to the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail.