Meth lab discovered; 3 cuffed and stuffed

Local law enforcement discovered a meth lab -- and arrested three individuals on drug related charges -- at a Mitchell Street residence Monday night.
Around 11:30 p.m. Monday night, the Alcorn County Narcotics Unit, assisted by the Corinth Police Department, arrested Jessica Hope Cheatwood, 24; Anthony Wayne Stanley, 33; and Theresa Ann Kovac, 41; all of Corinth, and charged all three with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, according to a report from the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office.
Events leading to the arrests reportedly began when Alcorn County Narcotics went to a Corinth residence, located at 1104 B Mitchell Street, after having received several complaints about the residence that led law enforcement to suspect drug activity.
"We had reports of strange odors, a lot of 'in and out' traffic and relatives worried about family members," said Alcorn County Narcotics Investigator Darrell Hopkins.
Upon arriving at the residence, Hopkins spoke to Cheatwood. During the conversation, officers reported they detected several indications that drugs were in the residence and they asked for -- and received -- a consent to search.
"We could smell an odd odor coming out of the door of the residence and there was paraphernalia in the room and the occupant also admitted to having drug paraphernalia," said Hopkins.
When officers entered the apartment, they found Kovac. Two children were also found in the residence. During the search, officers reportedly found a lab and drug paraphernalia throughout the residence. Corinth Police Lt. Ben Gann and Sgt. Jerry Mayhall assisted Alcorn County Narcotics with the arrest.
Previous to the search, officers had reportedly seen Cheatwood's husband, Stanley, leave and enter another residence next door and found him.
The Department of Human Services was contacted to take the children to the hospital for evaluation. Hopkins noted that contacting DHS was standard policy in such a case.
"For the children's safety, they need to make sure that the children don't have any meth, or any of the chemicals, in their system and make sure their lungs are okay," said Hopkins.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics arrived on the scene and took samples to send to the crime lab. Hopkins praised all agencies for working together, including Corinth Housing Authority.
Justice Court Steve Little set bond for each of the suspects at $5,000 each.
In an unrelated case, Alcorn County Narcotics arrested a Savannah, Tenn., couple several days ago, after reportedly observing them purchase several items -- from different locations -- that could be used to make methamphetamine.
According to the Alcorn County Sheriff's report, law enforcement stoppedthe couple's vehicle on North Shiloh Road and gained a consent to search. During the search, officers found items used to make methamphetamine.
The driver and his wife, identified as Randal Clay Rich, 38; and Robin Rena Rich, 35, both of Pooh Hollow Lane, in Savannah, Tenn., were both charged with possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance. Justice Court Judge Steve Little set bond for each at $5,000.