Published: March 24, 2009 01:03 pm         

Meth lab discovered, three arrested

Monticello — It began as an investigation into stolen property on Friday afternoon,

but the Monticello Police Department learned quickly after arriving at the

residence on Cherry Street that they had discovered a small, active meth

lab.

Three people were arrested in connection with the investigation, and

officers spent nearly seven hours at the scene removing the components of

the lab, as well as a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.

Joe Alan Cook, 25, Victoria Lee Cook, 20, and Randy L. Stringer, 38, all

of Monticello, were arrested at the rented residence, where officers say

they had lived for approximately two weeks.

They were charged with trafficking in a controlled substance within

1,000 yards of a school, receiving stolen property over $300, tampering with

physical evidence and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Joe Cook was also charged with being a convicted felon in possession of

a handgun and possession of a firearm (rifle).

Monticello Police Chief Ralph Miniard said that his department had

received complaints for the last couple of weeks, concerning the number of

people who were visiting the residence.

Then, he said the department received a single report that there was

stolen property in the house.

The police department went into the residence at approximately 1:27 p.m.

Friday afternoon to investigate.

Miniard said the Monticello Fire Department, Wayne County EMS, Wayne

County Emergency Management, Operation UNITE, the Hazardous Materials Task

Force 11 from London and the Monticello Street Department all assisted at

the scene.

One Monticello Police Officer had to be treated for chemical exposure,

according to Miniard. He said the officer appears to be okay, but they are

continuing to observe his condition.

Miniard said the meth lab was located in the basement of the home, and

technicians at the scene said that this was not the first day that meth had

been made at the location.

"There was evidence of several cooks," said Miniard.

He said there were no children in the residence. Since the home is

located close to several other houses, he said the neighborhood was

evacuated when the chemicals were being removed from the home.

In addition to the methamphetamine and the lab components, officers also

seized a quantity of marijuana, one rifle, one handgun, and a quantity of

cash.

Several items of property were also seized which appear to be related to

a number of recent burglaries and thefts.

A number of the items have already been identified as recently stolen

property.

Miniard said the investigation is continuing.

     

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