SCSD Busts Two Meth Labs In Cordell Community

Huntsville, TN (2011-06-28) A domestic disturbance call has led local authorities to two methamphetamine labs near the Cordell community. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the labs, and two suspects are still being sought by the Sheriff’s Department.

Around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, the Scot County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to a domestic disturbance call on Cordell Road in Huntsville. Upon arrival, the male subject involved in the disturbance reportedly fled the scene. Subsequently, Deputy Sandy Tucker obtained written consent form the homeowner to search a camper outside the residence to make sure the male wasn’t hiding inside. Upon entering the camper, she reportedly saw meth-making components inside and summoned Drug Agent Kris Lewallen and K-9 Deputy Roger Douglas to the scene.

A thorough search of the camper revealed a large, active meth lab. Deputies reported one container in the camper was still warm from the last cook. Authorities also allegedly found several meth-making components scattered in the woods behind the lab site. Evidence of at least 100 previous cooks was reportedly found.

As result of the discovery, local authorities are actively searching for Stacey Harness, 23, of Huntsville. Harness faces charges of manufacturing meth, promotion of the manufacture of meth, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Harness has red hair and usually wears a beard. He is 5’ 10” and weighs 170 lbs.

As the search for Harness continued, a family member who was assisting authorities reported seeing two females nearby at Brown Cemetery on Hurricane Road. Agent Lewallen and Deputy Tucker hurried to the cemetery, expecting to find Harness. As they approached, the pair observed a male subject wearing a black cap pick up a bag and enter the woods. Authorities gave chase, but the he managed to escape. The suspect dropped the bag, which authorities claim contained a medium-sized meth lab with all the component needed to make meth.

Upon further investigation, authorities learned the suspect was Patrick Chitwood, 31, of LaFollette. Chitwood is wanted on charges of manufacturing meth, promotion to manufacture meth, possession of a schedule III controlled substance (Hydrocodone), possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (Xanax), possession of drug paraphernalia, and evading arrest. Chitwood has brown hair and is described as clean cut. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, dark pants, a bandana and a black baseball cap.

The two females, identified as Elizabeth Scoggins, 35, of Huntsville and Megan Woodward, 20, of Huntsville, were arrested at the scene. Both were charged with manufacturing meth, promotion to manufacture meth, possession of a schedule III and a schedule IV controlled substance, and drug paraphernalia. Woodward is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles).