News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Jason Clark

(573) 522-0980



DDCC04--8-01

April 8, 2005



EMPHASIS: Arson arests made at Methamphetamine Lab







Captain Ronald K. Replogle, Director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), announces on April 7, 2005 at approximately 4:45 p.m., the Mineral Area Drug Task Force was conducting an undercover investigation of a clandestine mehtamphetamine laboratory at 5916 Maple Street, Park Hills, and Missouri. During the investigation it appears the building was intentionally set on fire, while two investigators were inside conducting their investigation. The officers were able to evacuate the building and extinguish the fire before it was destroyed.



Three arrests have been made in reference to this investigation, those subjects are identified as: John D. Matthews, 44; Lisa G. Matthews, 42; both of Park Hills, Missouri, and James E. Mahurin II, 32, of Desloge, Missouri. Mahurin has been arrested for Arson 1st Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Evidence. The Matthews have been arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Arson 1st Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Evidence. Mahurin is being held in the Ste. Genevieve County Jail, while the Matthews are being held in the St. Francois County Jail.



The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.