UPDATE: CALHOUN MAN FACING MULTIPLE METH CHARGES - CPS Removes Children

(12/01/2011)
A Calhoun man was arrested Tuesday by the West Virginia State Police on multiple charges related to the manufacturing of meth, in addition to a marijuana charge.

Jerry Glenn McKown, Jr., 24, of Minnora, is in Central Regional Jail with $45,000 bond set.

Police have issued four charges against McKown, including attempting to operate a clandestine meth lab, possession of precursors to manufacture meth, and exposing children to meth manufacturing.

Troopers told state media they found 10 "shake and bake" style laboratories in the home.

He is also facing a charge related to the manufacturing of marijuana.

State Police obtained a search warrant for the residence of Jerry McKown Sr. a short distance from State Rt. 16 at Minnora after a Children's Protective Service worker reported she noticed "shake-and-bake" bottles of meth while conducting a wellness check on the children of Jerry McKown, Jr.

The criminal complaint says the children were ages four, two and one. CPS has removed the children from the household.

State Police and Chief Deputy Carl Ballengee executed the search warrant of the residence, discovering several "shake and bake" meth labs in the basement allegedly occupied by Jerry McKown. Jr., along with ingredients identified as blister packs of pseudo-ephedrine, Coleman fuel and drain cleaner, in addition to marijuana seeds.

The criminal complaint says officers observed "shake and bake" meth labs in a bedroom "that appeared to be where the children were staying," or in an area "where said children would have to pass said meth labs in order to get to said room."

If found guilty McKown is facing a sentence related to a meth lab of not less than two nor more than ten years confinement with a fine not less than $5,000 nor more than $25,000, or both.

The charge related to possession of meth lab ingredients calls for not less than two nor more than ten years confinement, fined not more than $25,000, or both.

The charge related to exposure of children calls for not less than one nor more than five years confinement, fined not more than $10,000, or both.