Sheriff's office: 3 arrested in Niota meth lab bust

NIOTA (WATE) - Two men and a woman were arrested in the Niota area Monday morning after McMinn County sheriff's deputies say they found a large meth lab in a home.

Linda Slevinsky, 36, Shane Wiggins, 39, of Lenior City, and Nick Witt, 28, of Tellico Plains, are charged with manufacture of meth, possession of meth for resale and child abuse or neglect.

Wiggins is also charged as a fugitive from justice from Arkansas on failure to appear on possession of meth charges.

Investigators received a tip about meth being manufactured in a home Slevinsky rented on County Road 316.

When they entered the home, deputies say they immediately noticed a chemical or ammonia-type smell.

After Slevinsky gave permission for a search, deputies say they found a large amount of meth making materials. They also found nearly-finished meth.

Slevinsky is being held on a $19,000 bond, and Witt's bond is set at $38,000.

Wiggins' bond is set at $63,000, and Arkansas authorities have agreed to extradite him.

Deputies also learned that a 15-year-old girl lived at the home, and was present when the meth was made.