Why Tennessee continues to have a methlab problem
June 24, 2008
The reason why Tennessee continues to have a meth lab problem appears to be pointing to the court system, at least in in the case of a recent drug busts in Spring City, TN. The court system basically gave a slap on the wrists to a person that police knew as a travelling meth lab instructor. Is it any wonder why police and DEA agents can’t stop the methlab problem from growing in TN? Bravo to the law enforcement team for making this community safer. Thumbs down to the legal system for not getting a meth lab instructor off the streets.
When police received a tip that they’d find stolen property in a garage located at Pochantas Avenue in Spring City, TN, they found 29 year old, William Joseph Eaton, painting a motorcycle. As they approached him to ask him about the stolen property, he tossed a small plastic bag containing approximately 3 grams of meth on the ground. Upon further investigation, police discovered that he had a fresh batch of meth cooking inside a trailer behind the garage.
While still on the scene, 26 year old, Erin Marie Carney of Pochantas Avenue arrived. Both Eaton and Carney were taken in to custody on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine. Eaton was also charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance for resale and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.
According to news sources, Police believe that Eaton is a travelling meth cook who teaches others how to make the drug. Eaton is said to have been in the area for just a few weeks. The meth lab trailer is owned by Erin Carney’s parents, who reside in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Following the arrests, a hazmat team from Chattanooga was called to the scene to remove all of the meth chemicals from the trailer.
After his arrest, Eaton was released from the Rhea County Jail after posting a $75,000 bond. He also pled guilty to the manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of an altered driver’s license, and the theft of more than $1,000 and theft of more than $500.
Eaton was given 6 years on probation (6 year suspended sentence), a $2,000 fine, and the bill for the court costs for his meth crimes. For stealing more than $1,000, he received a four-year suspended sentence, that will run consecutive to the meth sentence, giving him a total of 10 years on probation. All remaining charges against him were dropped.
Information Sources:
1. “Spring City Police, RCSD uncover large meth lab”, author John Carpenter, Rhea County Online, May 12, 2008
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