A search of the residence yielded evidence that there was and active clandestine methamphetamine lab in operation there at that time. Members from the Darke County Clandestine Lab Unit dismantled the operation and neutralized any and all potential safety issues that were present. Traffic flow on SR571 was temporarily interrupted during the morning work flow.
Two women, three men and a 7-year-old boy were removed from the residence without incident by the Darke County Special Response Team. Custody of the 7 year old boy was turned over to Darke County Children’s Services.
Arrested was Christina Melchor age, 34, Manuel Melchor, age 33, and Bryant Rhoades, age 21, of that address. Also arrested was Christopher Brock age 46 of Winchester, IN and Letisha Parker age 20 of Portland, Ind. All arrestees were transported to the Darke County Jail, where each are being held, pending charges for Illegal Manufacturing of Methamphetamine and Child Endangering.
This case remains under investigation.