KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP - - A routine traffic stop Friday morning led Ashtabula County sheriff's deputies to uncovering a methamphetamine lab operating at 3782 Creek Road.
Craig D. Barnum, 23, was charged with multiple drug related charges, including illegal manufacturing of drugs (methamphetamine), illegal assembly of drugs, possession of drugs and possession of criminal tools.
Barnum was taken to county jail. He appeared in Eastern County Court Monday and appointed a public defender. Judge Robert Wynn set bond at $10,000 cash or 10 percent, which Barnum was unable to post.
Barnum was first stopped at 10:46 a.m. Friday on Route 20 by Deputy G.T. Cleveland for traffic offenses, including driving under suspension, seat belt violations and failure to signal a turn.
Cleveland was on patrol in the Reed Road area close to Route 20 when he spotted Barnum driving without a seat belt. Barnum took off at a high rate of speed turning onto Route 20 before he was pulled over at a North Kingsville driveway, according to reports.
During questioning, Barnum talked about his drug use history, then gave permission to search the Creek Road house where he lived. Barnum told officers he rented the basement area.
When deputies went to the house, they found precursor drug paraphernalia, evidence of a portable meth lab operation including red phosphorus materials.
Lt. Greg Leonhard said the department called in a federal drug enforcement certified team from Bowling Green to clean up the site and dispose of the chemicals. Several deputies remained on the scene as the cleanup was completed.
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Meth lab uncovered as deputies make arrest
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