2 arrested in meth lab bust

Published 6:50 pm Sunday, January 9, 2011

Edwardsburg residents Steven Hale, 51, and Shirley Peterson, 45, have been charged with allegedly operating a methamphetamine lab at their home.

The Cass County Drug Enforcement Team had received an anonymous tip regarding methamphetamine manufacturing and methamphetamine use occurring at the couple’s residence. Detectives were able to gather enough information to acquire a search warrant for the residence.

A search warrant was executed Thursday on the residence. Detectives located both Peterson and Hale. Detectives also located meth, meth-making components and marijuana in the residence.

Both subjects were arraigned in Cass County District Court Friday.

Peterson is charged with second offense, delivery or manufacturing methamphetamine; second offense, operating or maintaining a methamphetamine laboratory; second offense, possession of methamphetamine; second offense, maintaining a drug house; and second offense, possession of marijuana.

Hale is charged with second offense, operating or maintaining a methamphetamine laboratory; second offense, possession of methamphetamine; and second offense, maintaining a drug house.

Peterson’s bond was set at $50,000 and Hale’s bond was set at $60,000.

The investigation is ongoing.

To submit information about this case or other criminal activity in Cass County, call the Cass County Tipline at (800) 462-9328 or text the word “Cass” and your information to 274637 (crimes).