By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A north Jefferson County man and woman were arrested on Monday night after responding to a call about a possible methamphetamine lab in the Crosston community near Morris.

Phillip Moore, 35, and Mary Marlowe, 40, were both arrested in connection with the lab and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges ranging from manufacturing and trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment.

A 13-year-old boy, believed to be the son of Marlowe, was taken into protective custody and was turned over to his grandparents, according to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The release said that deputies arrived at the lab, located in the 7300 block of Narrows Cut-off Road, at about 8 p.m. Deputies reportedly observed Marlowe fleeing the back door of the residence with a methamphetamine pipe. Moore was reportedly found next to an active lab that was generating toxic smoke.

Moore is being held on bonds totaling $80,000 while Marlowe’s bonds total about $30,000.

Lt. Randy Christian of the sheriff’s office said despite Monday’s arrest, there has been a slight decline in the number of meth-related busts. He said state laws which have made it harder to obtain the ingredients have played a role in that decrease. He said deputies need the public’s help to continue to put an end to meth labs in communities.

“Because of a concerned citizen, there is a child that has been removed from a dangerous environment, a meth lab taken out of the community and two people in jail that belong there,” he said. “That’s great work and exactly the way things should work.”

Christian said residents should take notice of pungent chemical smells akin to ammonia or acetone or homes with windows blacked out and lots of traffic moving in and out of a residence.

Other clues include excessive garbage containing burned fuel cans, antifreeze containers, red chemically-stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.