Sunday's Internet Edition, September 07, 2008.

Roane Sheriff Todd Cole said officers executed a search warrant Tuesday afternoon at the residence of Robert Sheets at 1401 Cottontree Rd., near the Kanawha County line.

No one was in the trailer, where police reportedly found several items associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Cole said at least two people left the home on foot shortly before the officers arrived.

Police obtained another search warrant for the home of Sheets’ mother next-door and found Sheets hiding inside.

The 32-year-old Sheets was arrested, as was John Michael Leslie, 40, of Winfield, who was found hiding behind a rock behind the home with what Cole called a “cook bag” that he said contained everything needed to make meth.

Both were charged with operating a clandestine drug lab and lodged in the central regional jail in lieu of bond while awaiting a preliminary hearing.

Cole said the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Dept. started the investigation that led to the arrests about six months ago.

“Apparently there was a house fire in Kanawha County, so they moved the lab up here,” according to Cole, was said at least three more people may be arrested in connection with the operation.

Cole said Sheets has other charges pending against him in Roane County. Cole said he was arrested by State Police in 2005 for operating a meth lab and is charged in two instances of malicious assault. One case involves a child burned with a cigarette lighter. In another case a child was injured when, according to Sheets, the child rolled off a bed.