Three jailed after meth probe

News-Herald

A Thursday narcotics investigation at Lenoir City's McGhee Square Apartments led to the arrest of three people.

Agent Brendan DeBoer with the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force was investigating reports of narcotics activity at 225 Kelly Lane, apartment 11C, when he spoke with resident Douglas Wampler, 28.

While giving consent to search his apartment, Wampler admitted there were methamphetamine lab components in the attic, according to DeBoer.

During the search, DeBoer said he found the lab components, which included Coleman fuel, Drano, rubber tubing, coffee filters and lithium batteries. DeBoer also said he found a powdery substance on a plate that field tested positive for methamphetamine.

Wampler's wife, Rachel Koster, 30, was also at the residence, as were their two 3-year-old children.

"Due to the presence of the narcotics, methamphetamine production components and overall unsanitary living conditions, Department of Children Services was contacted," DeBoer said. DCS arrived on scene and removed the children to the custody of grandparents.

Wampler was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence, possession of a Schedule II substance, promoting the manufacture of methamphetamine and child abuse/neglect. He is being held on a $20,000 bond.

Koster was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence and child abuse. She is being held on bonds totaling $6,000.

"During the course of the investigation, I developed probable cause to believe that Malina Akin assisted ... with the concealment of evidence connected to the production of methamphetamine inside the apartment," DeBoer wrote in his report.

Akin was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence. She is being held on a $5,000 bond.