Deputies answer 911 call, find meth lab
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Arrested as a result of the discovery was Joe Blanton Campbell, 30, who is the boyfriend of the child’s mother. Campbell is charged with criminal attempt to manufacture meth, child abuse and reckless endangerment.
According to Sheriff Jackie Matheny, the lab was discovered after deputies were dispatched to Campbell’s Woodlee Court residence. Campbell lives there with his mother, his girlfriend and the 7-year-old.
During his call to 911, the boy told dispatchers he thought someone had broken into the house. When lawmen arrived, they found the boy alone at the house without adult supervision. They then conducted a search for the possible intruder but found no one. However, during a sweep of a basement apartment, deputies found the alleged lab.
“The fumes would knock you down,” Matheny said.
Matheny said investigators discovered the child was supposed to be in the care of Campbell. It is not known why Campbell left the child in the house alone, although officers reported seeing him drive by the house while they were conducting the search. Campbell’s mother, who is the owner of the house, was at work. It is not known where the boy’s mother was at the time.
“Mr. Campbell’s mother is a decent lady and I doubt she would approve of what he was doing,” Matheny said. “She works a lot so we believe he was doing this while she was out of the house.”
Campbell’s girlfriend also said she was unaware her boyfriend was maintaining the illegal lab. The lab was located in the basement, away from the main living quarters.
An investigation is being conducted by the Department of Children’s Services, who will decide what action will be taken in regard to the child’s custody. There have been no charges filed against the mother at this time.