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Two Meth Labs Busted in Nelsonville


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According to the Athens County Major Crimes Unit (AMCU),   investigators recently neutralized two methamphetamine labs in Nelsonville – including a home where a child was present.

Acting on tips, detectives searched 990 Poplar Street in Nelsonville on Friday, February 26. Investigators say they found methamphetamine and the tools used to make the drug, including a “one pot lab” that was still “in a very flammable state.” The Nelsonville Fire Department was called in to remove the threat. Athens County Children Services was also called into the investigation.

Evidence from 990 Poplar St. bust in Nelsonville (courtesy: Athens Co. Major Crimes Unit)
Evidence from 990 Poplar St. bust in Nelsonville (courtesy: Athens Co. Major Crimes Unit)

According to the press release, while AMCU investigators were at the home, Nelsonville Police offices located and arrested two people after a traffic stop, approximately one block away from the home. Ernie Lee Bridgeman III, 24,  and Jessica Nicole Frost, 24, are now both facing the following charges: 1st degree felony for manufacturing of methamphetamine; 2nd degree felony for assembly of materials to manufacture methamphetamine; and 5th degree felony for possession of methamphetamine. Both the  manufacturing of methamphetamine and the assembly to manufacture methamphetamine charges were elevated due to the presence of a juvenile in the household.

Also on Friday, agents with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources found an abandoned “one pot” methamphetamine lab in a public hunting area near Pedigo Ridge Road in Nelsonville. The investigation into this discovery is continuing.