JPD locates meth lab in stranded vehicle

Clark County

SO YOU KNOW

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of person of interest George Wallace can contact Jeffersonville Police Department at its Tips Line by calling 812-218-TIPS.

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Laura C. Beardwell
George E. Wallace

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August 3, 2012

JPD locates meth lab in stranded vehicle

One woman arrested, search for accomplice continues

By GARY POPP gary.popp@newandtribune.com The News and Tribune Fri Aug 03, 2012, 05:54 AM EDT

JEFFERSONVILLE — A stranded vehicle call to Jeffersonville police Tuesday morning resulted in the discovery of a mobile methamphetamine lab.

Upon responding to a stranded Dodge Ram van in the 1700 block of 10th St. about 8:30 a.m., police located Laura C. Beardwell, 34, of the 1100 block of Gail Court in Jeffersonville, inside the vehicle.

Jeffersonville police Detective Todd Hollis said the responding officer developed suspicion of criminal activity and recognized Beardwell from previous arrests.

Beardwell was wanted on a warrant for failure to appear for an initial hearing on a charge of operating without ever receiving a license that was issued in Jeffersonville City Court.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a methamphetamine lab hidden inside of an air purifier.

Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team was called to the scene to process the possible hazardous methamphetamine lab.

Less than 3 grams of produced methamphetamine product was also discovered in the vehicle, Jeffersonville police reported.

During the investigation, George E. Wallace, 45, of Jeffersonville, was identified as a person of interest in the case.

Officers reported that Wallace is also wanted for a string of warrants.

Hollis said the department’s narcotics officers are actively seeking Wallace on previous charges and for questioning related to the current case.

Hollis did not disclose how Wallace was identified as a person of interest following the location of the methamphetamine lab, but Wallace was described by Jeffersonville police as an “accomplice” of Beardwell.

Hollis could not say who alerted authorities of the stranded van.

Beardwell is currently being held in the Michael L. Becher Adult Correctional Complex and faces preliminary charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, a class B felony, possession of two or more precursors, a class D felony, possession of methamphetamine, a class D felony, and maintaining a common nuisance, a class D felony.

Jeffersonville police report that Beardwell was previously arrested on April 19, 2011, for manufacturing methamphetamine in her Jeffersonville residence.

Wallace was charged during Beardwell’s arrest in 2011 and has active warrants for his arrest issued by Clark County Circuit Court No. 2 stemming from charges of dealing in methamphetamine, two counts possession of methamphetamine, dealing in methamphetamine, attempted dealing in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture.