Editor’s Note:
The following report on the sentencing of two Tennessee Meth manufacturers serves as a reminder for any of you involved in Meth busts to raise flags if there are children present at the site of the lab.
Additional charges of child abuse stemming from a disregard for the serious, lifelong health damages a child may suffer resulting from exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals found at Meth labs may very well increase offenders’ sentences. For more information on Meth labs, be sure to check out the following Police1 article: Meth Lab Indicators and Officer Safety
Couple Given a Combined 75 Years For Manufacturing Meth -- Because Child Was in House
Nashville, Tenn. (AP) -- A couple from Putnam County convicted of making methamphetamine each received 30 years in prison, a U.S. attorney said.
Prosecutor Jim Vines said the sentences, sent down this week, are so lengthy because Fred and Myra Combs manufacturing a large amount of meth over a long period of time with a child in the house. Neither is eligible for parole under the federal sentences, Vines said.
Fred Combs, 44, received an extra 10 years for possession of a sawed-off shotgun in connection with the drug felony -- resulting in total prison time of 40 years.
Myra Combs, 42, also received an extra five years for possessing a firearm to help conduct the drug felony.
The couple was caught last March when police found the meth lab in their house.