He is charged with illegal manufacture of drugs, a second-degree felony, and illegal possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, a third-degree felony.
A video arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning and Barger is scheduled to appear in Area I Court on Thursday.
Conviction of a second-degree felony could result in a prison sentence of between two and eight years and up to $15,000 in fines. Conviction of a third-degree felony could result in one and five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Responding to 3971 Hamilton-Richmond Road shortly after midnight at the request of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Deputy William Brown sought to make contact with Floyd Barger, the owner of a truck found with a screwdriver in its ignition, according to Lt. Mike Craft.
“They asked us to go out to the house to see if this vehicle was stolen,” Craft said.
While approaching the residence, Brown detected a strong odor of ammonia near an outbuilding.
After assurances from Floyd Barger that there was not any issue with the vehicle, Brown asked about the outbuilding, which was apparently being used by his son, Charles, who would be returning soon.
Additional deputies and Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Agents responded to the scene.
When Charles Barger returned home, law enforcement officials searched the premises and found the meth lab.
The investigation is ongoing, Craft said.
“We’re going to continue to dig but at this time he’s the only suspect involved,” Craft said.
Additional crews from the sheriff’s office, and Milford and Hanover fire departments were called to assist with processing and clean up.
Sheriff’s office records show that this is not the first time such an operation has been run from the house.
About the Author
