Cherryville man is 4th suspect in meth lab bust

A fourth person has been charged in connection with a methamphetamine lab discovered by authorities Tuesday in a home south of Lincolnton.

Joey Lister Jones, 41, of Cherryville turned himself in on Saturday after learning warrants had been issued for his arrest, according to a report from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Jones has been charged with one felony count each of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession or distribution of meth precursors and conspiracy.

He is being held in the Harven Crouse Detention Center in Lincolnton with an order for no bond to be set. He is scheduled to appear in Lincoln County District Court Monday.

Lincoln County sheriff’s investigators found the lab in a home in the 3100 block of Loomis Street, near Mirror Lake Road, after receiving a complaint about drug activity.

Previously charged in connection with the lab were Brandon Stewart Shronce, 31, and Meghan Elizabeth Cochrane, 32, both of Lincolnton, and Jamie Shane Richard, 39, of Iron Station. Each faces charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, possessing and distributing meth precursors and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

As the investigation continued, video surveillance, physical evidence and statements from witnesses helped lead investigators to believe a fourth person might be involved in the operation, according to a report from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

“We do not only look at the subjects directly responsible for cooking the meth but the ones who help by purchasing Sudafed and other items used in the manufacturing of the drug,” said Narcotics Lt. Jon Propst.

Cochrane also was served a warrant for failing to appear in court on unrelated charges. Cochrane was jailed on $140,000 bail. Shronce and Richard were jailed on $100,000 bail.

This story was originally published November 22, 2015 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Cherryville man is 4th suspect in meth lab bust."