Vehicle theft leads to discovery of meth lab

Local News

February 15, 2013

Vehicle theft leads to discovery of meth lab

Anonymous The Herald-Tribune The Batesville Herald Tribune Fri Feb 15, 2013, 10:12 AM EST

— The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department received a stolen vehicle complaint Saturday, Feb. 9, at about 6:30 p.m., said Sgt. Jason Lovins.

The owner of a 1999 Nissan reported her vehicle had been stolen. She indicated it could have possibly been taken to Pipe Creek Road, Batesville.

FCSD and Indiana State Police officers responded and located the vehicle and Benny Flannery, 38, Batesville, at the home of Dennis Mason, 58.

“Flannery attempted to flee from the residence and was captured after a short foot pursuit,” reported Deputy Gregory Mehlbauer, the investigating officer. “While attempting to escape, Flannery discarded several baggies, which were believed to contain methamphetamine.”

An investigation at the scene led to the application of a search warrant for Mason’s residence, which was granted by the Franklin County Circuit Court. A methamphetamine lab was found inside. The ISP Methamphetamine Lab Team was called and assisted in its removal.

Mason was arrested and charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of two or more precursors, dumping chemical waste, possession of paraphernalia and maintaining a common nuisance.

Flannery was arrested and also charged with Mason’s first four offenses plus vehicle theft, resisting law enforcement by fleeing and possession of methamphetamine.

Also assisting at the scene were Deputy Jeremy Kuntz and ISP Trooper Joseph Uhler.