Man charged with making meth

A drug investigation suspect had a methamphetamine lab component sticking out of his pocket when narcotics investigators approached him Tuesday, Sheriff Ana Franklin said.

Further investigation revealed four one-pot meth labs and drug paraphernalia in the 315 Gilchrist St., Hartselle, home of Thomas Denny Lovell II, Franklin said.

Agents also found evidence that Lovell tried to make meth using the older, more hazardous red phosphorus method, the sheriff said. Franklin said agents had been investigating Lovell for several weeks. When they went to his house to speak with him Tuesday, he was mowing a neighbor’s yard.

Agents saw a gas-generator hose sticking out of his pocket, Franklin said.

Agents arrested Lovell on charges of first-degree manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was taken to Morgan County Jail and held in lieu of $300,300 bail.

Franklin said Lovell was arrested three times in the past two years for making meth and this was the second meth lab discovered on Gilchrist Street in the three months.

SETH BURKETT