(L-R) Frankie Edward Elmore, Pamela
Diane Holbert, Joseph Scott O'Daniel
(L-R) Robert Lee Shaffer, Todd Jeffrey
Ullum, Melissa Nicole Birchfield
By Bob Weaver
State Police in Roane County have now arrested six individuals, connected to the manufacturing of meth, an illegal and dangerous mood-altering chemical that appears to be on the uprise again in the region.
The latest arrest is Melissa Nicole Birchfield, 35.
Robert Lee Shaffer, 26; Joseph Scott O'Daniel, 37; Pamela Diane Holbert, 41; Todd Jeffery Ullum, 19; and Frankie Edward Elmore, 20, are all incarcerated in Central Regional Jail, following the drug bust in the Amma area.
Police received a complaint from a property owner regarding the operation of a meth manufacturing operation on Amma Road, according to the criminal complaint.
In the compliant, a local citizen says she heard Robert Shaffer say the group did not have enough Sudafed, but "We can cook it anyway and divide it up between us."
Following information that a drug making operation was in progress, Roane County law enforcement went to the location, including officers Trooper P. S. Fisher, Roane Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Kevin Unger, Spencer Police Chief John Westfall, Roane County Sheriff's K-9 Deputy John King, and Roane County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Smith.
Police obtained a search warrant, and on arrival they discovered two windows open with an apparent, functioning meth operation inside, according to the complaint.
"Officers smelled a strong odor which resembled methamphetamine, observed in plain view, tubing, heating elements, water source, scales, numerous liquids, foils, needles, iodine, filters, Mason jars, blister packs, and Sudafed-type boxes," says the complaint.
The operation equipment was confiscated, along with drugs and paraphernalia, and a lab clean-up crew was called to the scene.
Other arrests are pending.
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