Convicted felons accused of making meth

Free Press Report

NEW CASTLE, IN - A gang of convicted felons got caught on Friday running a methamphetamine lab out of a rural Henry County home by Indiana State Police.

 One of primary suspects, Jay E. Johnson, 39, has several convictions, including a felony robbery resulting in serious bodily injury more than a decade ago. He was released from prison, committed some more crimes, according to court records, and now faces a felony charge of manufacturing meth.

 Two of his companions at his residence on North County Road 900-E, Jean Smith, 33, and Cheryl K. Collins, 49, also were charged with felony drug making. Two others, Jeremy Nunley, 40, Losantville, and Nichole Lang, 22, Hagerstown, face similar charges and all were jailed. Smith, Collins and Nunley all have criminal records.

 The arrests were a result of an investigation by the ISP meth suppression unit, After obtaining a search warrant, troopers, assisted by Henry County sheriff's deputies, found equipment and ingredients used to make meth.

 ISP continues to check pharmacy records for pseudo ephedrine sales besides tips to track down meth and other drug labs and sales. ISP is just a click away at www.meth.in.gov to report possible criminal activity.