CRAB ORCHARD — Three people were arrested Wednesday night in Lincoln County on drug and weapons charges and a fourth was picked up early the next morning on related charges.
Lincoln County Sheriff Curt Folger said Richard Haight, 25, of Mount Vernon was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and probation violation.
Brittney Lear, 27, also of Mount Vernon, was charged with unlawful possession of meth precursors and hindering apprehension or prosecution. “She was attempting to hide Mr. Haight,” Sheriff Folger said.
Kenneth Smith, 39, of Brodhead was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance; unlawful possession of meth precursors; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and tampering with physical evidence.
“Mr. Smith was trying to destroy evidence by thowing it in the grass, in the yard,” Sheriff Folger said.
Deputy Ryan Kirkpatrick and his K-9 partner, Ingo, arrived at the residence east of Crab Orchard to serve an arrest warrant for Haight. Lear denied Haight was at the residence, but a search turned up not only Haight but also tubing and filters, cleansers and fuel that were found together and allegedly constitute an intention to manufacture.
The search further discovered a firearm hidden under a bed.
A fourth man, 21-year-old Kaleb Smith, identified by authorities as the homeowner and half-brother to Kenneth Smith, arrived on the scene during the arrests and quickly left on the motorcycle he was riding. He was picked up and brought in early the next morning on an outstanding warrant, charged with theft by deception.
All four remained in the Lincoln County Regional Jail today. Sheriff Folger expects further charges will be added.
Deputy Bill Hester assisted in the arrests.
