Arrests Made After Meth Lab Found

LINCOLN — Four Lincoln residents were arrested on May 17 after police found drugs and ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine, according to Chief Russell Morphis.

Dylan Ballard, 20, of 119 N. Carter Ave., Mathew Brown, 35, of 305 E. School St., Felisha Crittenden, 22, of 1229 Maple Lane and Steven Poplin, 20, of 11138 Old Cincinnati Road face felony charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Crittenden also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Morphis said the arresting office was Michael Anderson.

The bust began with an investigation into stolen stop signs at 311 Shady St. Anderson received permission from the property owner to enter a camper on the property. When Anderson entered the camper he found Ballard, Brown, Crittenden and Poplin, along with several glass jars, a small plastic bottle contain- ing ammonium nitrate, lithium strips, sodium hydroxide and ephedrine pills.

Anderson also found plastic baggies, a grinder with white residue, four propane torches, digital scales, a marijuana bong and a jar containing 32 Alazopram pills.

Agents with the Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force told the officer he stumbled into a “one pot” meth lab, also known as a shake and bake laboratory.

Morphis said meth is a problem in northwest Arkansas and the surround- ing area, however in Lincoln police find more people using the drug rather than manufacturing it.

“It’s an issue we take very serious and anytime we have information we investigate and get it removed from our city,” Morphis said about meth labs.

The four were held at the Washington County Detention Center on $2,500 bond each.

Ballard, Crittenden and Poplin have bonded out, according to the Washington County Detention Center. Brown remained in jail Friday afternoon.