By JANIE SLAVEN<br>Record Staff Writer
DIXIE — Six young adults have been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine after authorities happened to uncover a meth lab Sunday night near the McCreary County Schools bus garage.
The incident began at 10:57 p.m. Sunday night as Kentucky State Police Trooper Tony Dingess and McCreary County Deputy Sheriff Jerry Meadows were driving northbound on KY 1651 in the Dixie community. In separate cruisers, both officers were transporting prisoners to the McCreary County Jail.
Trp. Dingess reported that each officer detected “a very strong chemical odor” as they passed the red brick house beside the bus garage. Once they had dropped off their prisoners, Dingess and Meadows returned to the residence.
“While walking to the door I [met Billy D. Stephens Jr.] coming across the car port,” Dingess stated in one citation. “[Stephens] stated he was
burning trash. Dep. Meadows knocked on the door and had a male subject flee.”
Authorities obtained a search warrant for the property, which 25-year-old Stephens and his girlfriend — Amanda Morgan, 23 — rented
from Ted Baker.
During the subsequent search, an active meth lab was found in the bathroom along with related ingredients. The KSP Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations East Branch and Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force were called in to neutralize the volatile items.
Trooper Edward Shaler Jones also assisted at the scene.
In addition to Stephens and Morgan, both of Whitley City, authorities arrested:
• Donnie R. Barnett, 32, of Stearns, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine 1st.
• Josh R. Phillips, 25, of Marshes Siding, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine 1st.
• Jamie H. Lynch, 20, of Whitley City, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine 1st.
• Garra Kidd, 21, of Whitley City, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine 1st.
Each suspect was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense, and lodged in the McCreary County Jail under a $50,000 cash bond.
Barnett, the man who ran from Dep. Meadows, was additionally charged with Fleeing or Evading Police On Foot, 2nd.
