St. Tammany News

A car accident and the sharp eyes of a store security officer Thursday led police to two mobile methamphetamine labs and the arrest of five people.

In the first arrest, Slidell police were investigating a two-car accident at U.S. Highway 11 and Lafayette Street around 8 a.m. when they found not only methamphetamine lab, but also marijuana.

These are some of the materials used in making methamphetamine that were seized by Slidell police on Thursday in two raids on mobile methamphetamine labs. (Photo courtesy of the Slidell Police Department)

Slidell police spokesman Capt. Kevin Foltz reported that when police approached one of the drivers, Kelley F. Martinez, 38, of Hammond, he seemed very nervous.

"His hands were shaking and his forehead was sweating profusely," Foltz said.

One of the officers also noticed that Martinez had fresh open sores on his face, neck, hands and arms, symptoms consistent with prolonged use of methamphetamines. The officer also noticed in the picture of Martinez on his driver's license, there were no sores.

Martinez agreed to let the officers search his 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck, and police found items commonly used in the production of methamphetamine. In Martinez' tool box, officers found acetone, paint remover, denatured alcohol, drain opener and a canister of propane gas. Police also found an unknown quantity of methamphetamine and a pound of marijuana.

Martinez was arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and creation and operation of a clandestine laboratory.

Four more people were arrested for operating a mobile meth lab around 11 a.m. Thursday after police responded to a call from the Wal-Mart store on Natchez Drive. A security officer had noticed several people buying ingredients used in "cooking" methamphetamine.

Three Slidell police detectives set up surveillance of a gold 2005 Nissan Maxima that was in the Wal-Mart parking lot. When the car left the store, the police stopped it for not using a turning signal. As the detectives approached the car, they saw one of the occupants trying to hide something under the front seat.

The detectives began a search of the car and found a glass pipe used in smoking meth under the seat. All four passengers were then arrested, and detectives continued to search the car. They found three bags of ammonium sulphate, a bottle of drain opener, a canister of propane gas, four bottles of anti-freeze, lithium batteries and another unidentified item Foltz said is used to cook meth. Police also found a second glass pipe and an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine.

Judith A. Fleming, 35, of Bay St. Louis, Miss., Michael A. Wilson, 27, of Pascagoula, Miss., Courtney A. Fugate, 30, of Norco, and Timothy Moran, 41, of Kiln, Miss., were all charged with creation and operation of a clandestine laboratory. Fleming was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to use a turn signal. Wilson, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and bringing contraband into a penal institution. Fugate was also charged with possession of meth and bringing contraband into a penal institution, plus theft under $300 by shoplifting from the Wal-Mart.

Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan said he is concerned by the increase in the arrests of people making methamphetamine. But he said, the increase is also due to awareness by local stores about items needed to make meth. The police have been educating local businesses to be on the watch for people buying these items.

"I am sure that part of the increase of such cases is from this educational program," Drennan said.

Martinez is still in the Slidell City Jail will be transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail for a bond hearing. Fleming, Fugate, Moran and Wilson are all in the parish jail with a $30,750 bond for Fleming, a $32,250 bond on Fugate, a $25,000 for Moran, and Wilson is under a $5,000 bond. Foltz said that Wilson's bond may go higher after further investigation of the case.