Pubdate: Sat, 04 Aug 2001 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2001 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Author: Mike Baggett, Messenger-Inquirer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) DOG BITE PROBE YIELDS METH LAB Deputies Find Guns, Cash At Property On Kentucky 144 Daviess County Sheriff's deputies responding to a complaint about a dog attack Thursday turned up an active methamphetamine lab and more than two dozen firearms. Joseph Allen Hamilton, 38, of the 11200 block of Kentucky 144 was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine while armed after Sheriff's Deputy Russ Day smelled ether while investigating the reported dog attack on Hamilton's property three miles east of Knottsville. Deputies searched a trailer on Hamilton's property and found ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine in a stage of the cooking process, as well as what appeared to be ground pseudophedrine tablets, said DCSD narcotics Detective Jim Acquisto. They also found $6,600 and firearms, including 17 rifles, eight handguns and a stun gun. They also found a sword, night vision goggles, assorted ammunition, a bulletproof vest and antique coins. All but three of the guns were found in a room where the lab was, Acquisto said. No other arrests were made. DCSD Chief of Investigations Jeff Jones said police are still investigating the involvement of others. Sheriff Keith Cain said the drug bust shows the importance of having deputies trained to deal with identifying methamphetamine. "This started out as a dog bite at this location, and from the basis of a smell we were able to seize a meth lab," Cain said. "It's because of the positive impact training has had on our road officers." Deputies were called to the scene after Janet M. Mills, 38, of Whitesville reported she was attacked by four dogs on Hamilton's property. Deputies said she suffered a puncture wound and scratch on her right leg. Mills was treated at Owensboro Mercy Health System and released. Acquisto said they are unsure why Mills was on the property. Deputies took five dogs into custody, including two Dalmatians, two partial pit bull breeds and two Rottweilers. Hamilton also faces a charge of second-degree cruelty to animals after deputies found a dog in a junked vehicle with no food or water. This is not the first time Hamilton has been arrested on methamphetamine charges. In March 1999 he was charged with manufacturing and trafficking in methamphetamine while in possession of a firearm, but a Daviess County grand jury dismissed the charges in October 1999. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager