Six Charged In Newark Valley Meth Lab Probe

A half-dozen people have been arrested in connection with an active Tioga County methamphetamine lab.

Police say a search warrant was executed at 704 Shirley Road in the town of Newark Valley around five o'clock Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators say they found meth-making materials at the residence of 29-year-old Jamie Swackhammer and 23-year-old Scott Cole.

Police say Cole fled to a wooded area behind his home. He was apprehended a short time later.

Also charged in the case are: 23-year-old Kara Smithgall of Campville Road, Endicott; 31-year-old Bryan Burkard of Wilson Creek Road, Berkshire; 28-year-old Melanie Short of Back West Creek Road, Berkshire; and 48-year-old Theresa Cochran of Buffalo Road, Caroline.

State police say all six have been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. They were arraigned in Newark Valley town court and sent to Tioga County Jail without bail.

Police seized seven ounces of liquid methamphetamine, five grams of processed methamphetamine and other items used to make the drug. They also confiscated a shotgun and hypodermic needles.

Investigators say more charges are pending.