Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy discovers meth lab in vehicle

Montgomery County, TN – A deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office tonight, when attempting to apprehend a suspect near Madison Street and McAdoo Creek, discovered a one-pot meth lab in the suspect’s vehicle.

Deputy Jacob Kent witnessed a suspect at the Sango Market, and he knew that he was wanted on two felony warrants. He took the suspect into custody, waited for backup and searched the vehicle.

The suspect, James Curtis Ashby, Jr., 37, who gave a 1055 Lylewood Road address was charged with the initiation of methamphetamine production along with Heather Elaine Mauk, 29, who was booked on the same charge. Their bonds were pending upon booking.

“I noticed a set of digital scales and what appeared to be methamphetamines,” said Kent. “I saw a one-pot meth cook in the trunk of the car. I knew, from previous training, that’s what it was, and requested assistance from the 19th Judicial District Drug Task Force.”

Once Kent noticed the one-pot, he told all units to regress back several yards and set up a perimeter, and then waited for a DTF agent.

Agents with the DTF broke down the one-pot and rendered it safe.