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GREENWOOD TWP. — A Hesperia man is facing several charges following a multi-agency meth lab bust, and a Twin Lake woman is wanted by police in connection to the crime.
Jay Jacob Ball of Hesperia had a preliminary exam in 78th District Court Monday, Jan. 26, states a press release issued Wednesday evening, Jan. 28, by the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT). “Probable cause was established at the exam, and Ball was bound over to 27th Circuit Court on the charges of manufacturing methamphetamine; operating a methamphetamine laboratory within 500 feet of a residence; and felony firearm. His trial date has not been set.”
A warrant has been issued in 78th District Court for the arrest of Magen Sue Bunting, a 25-year-old white female from Twin Lake, the press release states. “Bunting is described as 5’1”, 125 pounds with red hair, and hazel-colored eyes. She is wanted on the charge of possession of methamphetamine. If you know the whereabouts of Magen Bunting, please contact your local police department.”
A third person has also been charged. “Samantha Jean Fitzgerald of Hesperia was arraigned in 78th District Court (Monday) on the charge of possession of methamphetamine. The charge is a result of the investigation conducted by CMET (Central Michigan Enforcement Team) and SSCENT.
“On Jan. 9, 2015, members of SSCENT, CMET, the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad, Michigan State Police Canine Unit, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the Hart post, executed a search warrant at an address in the 7900 block of White Road of Oceana County’s Greenwood Township,” the press release states.
“The search warrant was issued after investigators from SSCENT and CMET determined that the occupants inside of the home may be involved in the production of methamphetamine. The search warrant was executed at the home without incident and several people were located inside of the home.
“During the execution of the search warrant, several items used in the production of methamphetamine were located inside of the home. The production of methamphetamine involves the use of hazardous materials, and as a result requires specially-trained technicians to clean up the site. As a result, members of the Michigan State Police Methamphetamine Enforcement Team responded to the scene to dismantle the laboratory and remove the hazardous materials from the residence.
“After the Oceana County Prosecutor reviewed the facts of the case, several warrants were issued for the arrest of those involved in the production of methamphetamine at the home,” the press release states.
Manufacturing methamphetamine and operating a methamphetamine laboratory are both felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine ranging from $25,000-$100,000. Possession of methamphetamine is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.
CMET is a multi-jurisdictional task force that covers Newaygo, Osceola, Montcalm, Mecosta and Ionia counties. SSCENT is a multi-jurisdictional task force that serves Manistee, Mason, Lake and Oceana counties.
“If you have information about drug activity in your area, please contact SSCENT at (800) 994-8477 or your local police department,” the press release states.
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