Three arrests were made yesterday after the Pennsylvania State Police Troop G vice unit and other law enforcement officers spent several months on an investigation after finding a methamphetamine lab on Bell-Tip Road near Tipton, in Antis Township.
On Jan. 10 of this year, the vice unit went to the residence of Michell Troy and Marry Poorman at RD 2, Box 547, Tyrone. Authorities discovered what they described as a methamphetamine lab.
The Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Lab Response Team arrived at the scene to secure it and they removed chemicals and associated equipment.
Police said the Poorman’s young child was exposed to hazardous chemicals. Marry Poorman was also discovered in the house while authorities on the scene.
Following the Jan. 10 incident, a trooper received information that 26-year-old John J. Wolf, Jr., 408 East Hudson Ave., Altoona, was operating a meth lab at his residence.
On Feb. 5, a search warrant for Wolf’s home was served by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop G vice unit with the assistance of the Special Emergency Response Team and the Clandestine Lab Team. A meth lab was found at his residence. All three suspects, Wolf and the Poormans, were also at Wolf’s residence during the execution of the search warrant.
Seven weapons were also discovered and seized.
The chemicals were tested at the state police lab and additional interviews were conducted, according to the police press release. The tests showed the chemicals and equipment indicated what’s known as a “Red P” or red phosphorous Methamphetamine Lab.
Twenty-eight-year-old Michell Troy Poorman was charged with one count each of manufacturing a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal conspiracy and criminal attempt; all felonies. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Thirty-three-year-old Marry Poorman, 425 W. 19th St., Tyrone, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct.
Wolf was charged with criminal conspiracy and criminal attempt; both felonies and possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
All three suspects were arraigned before District Justice Fred Miller in Snyder Township. Michell Poorman’s bail was set at $300,000 unsecured. Marry Poorman’s bail was $50,000 unsecured. Wolf’s bail was $150,000 unsecured.
All three have been released and a preliminary hearing has been set for Dec. 3.
State police also noted in their release that the vice unit discovered a meth lab in Bedford County on Oct. 15 and two arrests have been made in that case. A cocaine freebase lab was discovered on Nov. 4 in Centre County and arrests are still pending in that case.
The state police said they have responded to approximately 120 meth labs in 2004, that’s double the amount from 2003.
