By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Two Union residents were charged with methamphetamine-related crimes Wednesday as a result of a search warrant executed by the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team at Lot 19, 12404 U.S. 12, Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz announced Wednesday.
Cass County Drug Enforcement Team reported receiving numerous citizen tips of possible meth activity at a residence at Camp Bellowood Recreational World campground on U.S.-12 in Porter Township.
An investigation ensued and information was obtained that led to a search warrant at the residence on Wednesday at approximately 5 p.m. Upon serving the warrant, detectives discovered all of the components of an inactive methamphetamine lab at the residence.
Richard Dennis Johns, 37, of Lot 19, 12404 U.S. 12, is charged with:
Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine (felony, punishable by 20 years and/or $35,000).
Delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine (felony, 20 years and/or $25,000.
Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine (felony, 20 years and/or $25,000).
Operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine (felony, 20 years, and/or $25,000).
Possession of methamphetamine (felony, 10 years and/or $15,000).
Maintaining a drug house (misdemeanor, two years and/or $25,000).
Second offense notice and habitual offender third.
Shirley Ann Peterson, 42, of Lot 19, 12404 U.S. 12, is charged with:
Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine (felony, punishable by 20 years and/or $35,000).
Delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine (felony, 20 years and/or $25,000.
Operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine (felony, 20 years, and/or $25,000).
Possession of methamphetamine (felony, 10 years and/or $15,000).
Maintaining a drug house (misdemeanor, two years and/or $25,000) and possession of marijuana (misdemeanor, one year and/or $2,000).
The defendants were arraigned in Fourth District Court Wednesday. Johns received a $75,000 cash/surety bond. Peterson's bond was set at $35,000 cash/surety.