Columbus-The Indiana State Police served a search warrant at a Columbus home on Wednesday morning, resulting in the discovery of meth lab components and the arrest of the owner of the home.
The investigation began when Trooper Robert Hutson received information about criminal activity taking place at a residence located at 1126 California Street in Columbus. Trp. Hutson gathered enough information to obtain a search warrant for the residence. During execution of the warrant, officers located numerous methamphetamine lab components stashed in a hidden compartment in the basement of the home. Officers additionally located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in other parts of the house.
The owner of the residence, Tony Gibson, age 53, was located by Troopers Randel Miller and Rick Hewitt at his place of employment on State Route 46 near Columbus. He was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at that location. Mr. Gibson was arrested and transported to the Bartholomew County Jail. He is facing charges of dealing/manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Suppression Team responded to the residence and assisted with processing the meth lab equipment. Trp. Hutson was assisted by Troopers Randel Miller, Rick Hewitt, Matthew Powell, and Martin Mead. Officers with the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department also assisted at the scene. Child Protective Services also assisted due to a young child possibly having been in the residence where the meth lab equipment was found.
Attached: Mug photo of Tony Gibson
Photo of Lab Equipment Recovered from Scene
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Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
