Children at alleged meth lab

Deputies serving an arrest warrant came upon an alleged meth lab at Arms Apartments, marking the second meth lab busted at the complex in four months.

The suspect, Erica Dawn Hale, 27, is charged with promotion of meth manufacture and appeared for arraignment Tuesday before General Sessions Judge Larry Ross.

The discovery of the illegal meth-making operation occurred when officers arrived at her door to take her into custody on an unrelated charge of criminal trespass. During the visit, lawmen searched the apartment and came across the illegal lab located in a back bedroom.

Deputies reported finding several items commonly used in the production of meth including acetone, Coleman lantern fuel, coffee filters, Pyrex dish, digital scales, latex gloves, iodine, Sudafed, matches, drain cleaner, muratic acid, a butane torch, a funnel and tubing.

In addition to the drugs, two children, ages 6 and 8, were found at the residence. Sheriff Jackie Matheny said he is unsure if the juveniles are the children of Hale and if additional charges of child endangerment will be leveled.

The Hale arrest comes after three alleged meth-makers were arrested at the same complex in March. In that raid, items from a meth lab were found along with finished meth.