Police find meth, precursor chemicals

A traffic stop Thursday afternoon on West Main Street in Fredericktown led to three methamphetamine-related arrests according to Fredericktown Police.

William J. Conklin, 38, and Jerry K. Miller, 24, both of Fredericktown are charged with the class C felony of possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.

Victoria G. Grace, 39, of Fredericktown is charged with the class C felony possession of a controlled substance.

According to police reports, Conklin attempted to purchase cold packs and pseudoephedrine at a local retailer. An off-duty officer, who was in the store at the time, overheard Conklin attempting to purchase the items and notified police.

He also noticed as the three were leaving that one of the passengers in the suspect vehicle appeared to be having a medical issue or “tweaking,” a condition exhibited by an individual under the influence of methamphetamine.

The individuals traveled to another retailer and Conklin entered the building, then returned. After the individuals drove off, Fredericktown Police made stopped them. Police noticed a closed container of camping fuel in plain sight in the rear floorboard of the vehicle.

Police say Miller, the driver of the vehicle, gave officers consent to search the vehicle. Officers found camping fuel, drain cleaner, lye, lithium batteries, clear plastic tubing, dust masks and red tissue paper. All the aforementioned being items commonly used in the production of methamphetamine.

Officers also discovered in Grace’s purse several small bags containing a white powdery substance. The powder field tested positive for methamphetamine. Two used syringes were found in the pocket of Conklin.

All three of the suspects are in the Madison County Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond. A trial date has not been set.