CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — A Clarion man has been arrested for allegedly operating a “one pot” meth lab at an apartment located at 534 Main Street, in Clarion Borough.
According to court documents, criminal charges were filed against 24-year-old Austin Cody Hall, of Clarion.
According to a criminal complaint, around 4:30 p.m. on January 28, Clarion County Adult Probation Officer Jay Kerle contacted Clarion County Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) Detective William Peck concerning Austin Cody Hall. Officer Kerle is currently supervising Hall on Adult Probation for Westmoreland County.
The complaint indicates that Hall missed his scheduled meeting with probation on January 21, so Officer Kerle went to Hall’s apartment at 534 Main Street to conduct a home visit and to drug test him. Officer Kerle was assisted by Probation Officer Blum.
Kerle stated that he knocked on the door for approximately 10 minutes before Hall answered it. While talking to Hall, Officer Kerle observed a glass smoking device in plain view on the kitchen table and numerous beer cans. Kerle asked Hall if he would be clean on a drug test, and Hall allegedly stated that he would be positive for marijuana, the complaint continues.
Officer Kerle stated that a search of the residence was conducted, and the following items were found:
- – in the bathroom area — a bladder from a cold compress with the beads missing; a Mason jar that had a strong odor of marijuana; and a can that was taped up containing a form of starting fluid.
- – in the kitchen area — a funnel; a glass pipe; plyers (with burnt residue on its end); and lithium batteries.
- – in a garbage can — a Walmart receipt dated for January 27, 2016, ripped up in pieces and pieces from an energizer lithium battery package.
- – in the spare bedroom — a baggie containing lithium watch batteries and a Rexall cold compress.
- – in Hall’s vehicle – lithium batteries and a glass pipe with residue.
According to the complaint, Hall submitted to a drug test and “was positive for methamphetamine and admitted to smoking meth on January 27. Hall admitted to purchasing Sudafed on January 27 for his allergies, but he did not know where the box of pills were now.”
Kerle took possession of Hall’s cell phone and located messages from his girlfriend “that he was going to get caught being on probation and ‘shaking.’ The term shaking is a common term used for the manufacturing of Methamphetamine,” the complaint states.
Detective Peck indicated that the above listed items are commonly used in the process of the manufacture of Methamphetamine using the “one pot method.” He took custody of the above listed items and logged them into evidence at the Clarion County DA’s office, the complaint continues.
Based on his investigation, Detective Peck asked that an arrest warrant be issued for Hall.
Hall was arraigned at 1:00 p.m. on February 4 in Magisterial District Judge Duane L. Quinn’s office on the following charges:
- – Possession Red Phosphorus, etc w/ Intent to Manufacture Controlled Substance, Felony
- – Knowingly Possessing Ephedrine, Misdemeanor
- – Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
Unable to post $2,500.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on February 16 with Judge Quinn presiding.
