New York police reportedly stopped at a Watertown apartment complex on Aug. 29 to do a routine check in with a parolee. When they arrived, however, they allegedly discovered a methamphetamine lab.
The apartment was located in the 300 block of William Street. Authorities reportedly stopped by at about 6 a.m. to complete a home visit. The officers were inside the apartment when they said they saw objects that are typically used to manufacture methamphetamine. As a result, they contacted the Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team. When the team arrived, they allegedly seized about 3 grams of a powder that was said to be meth.
Five people were ultimately charged with third-degree unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine. They were identified as a 26-year-old Harrisville woman, 30-year-old Watertown woman, 31-year-old Watertown man, 38-year-old Watertown woman and 39-year-old man who was listed as homeless. The five individuals were arraigned and are being held without bail. The parolee who lived at the apartment was not immediately charged, though authorities said that the investigation was still ongoing. Authorities said that the parolee had been on parole after being convicted of manufacturing meth.
Being accused of drug crimes in New York can potentially result in serious incidents. For example, being accused of manufacturing methamphetamine with the intent to sell the drug can result in a lengthy prison sentence, probation and a criminal record. Those who have a criminal record involving drugs could be prevented from obtaining gainful employment. A criminal law attorney could mount a defense by challenging the prosecution to show drugs that were allegedly seized or by challenging them to prove that the drugs belonged to the accused person.