Three people were arrested yesterday in connection with an alleged meth lab operated in the presence of a minor child last Tuesday on Highway 66 between Renno and Stomp Springs Roads.
Charged with Unlawful Neglect of a Child were 56-year-old Cathy Gail Griffin, 34-year-old Mary Elizabeth “Missy” Griffin and 31-year-old James Matthew Carlton “Jamie” Griffin, all of 6009 Whitmire Highway, Clinton.
In warrants served on all three suspects, Sheriff’s Investigator Matt Veal states that on April 14, 2015 each placed a minor child at unreasonable risk of harm by exposing the child to methamphetamine, causing a positive test result for meth. Each defendant allegedy had custody and/or charge of the minor child and is the child’s parent or guardian.
James “Jamie” Griffin is also charged with Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Manufacture in the Presence of a Child and Illegal Disposal of Meth. Officer Veal states that on April 14, 2015 James Matthew Griffin had in his possession items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, that he exposed a child to the manufacture of meth and its byproducts and that he unlawfully disposed of methamphetamine waste without authority to do so. Cash or surety bonds were set yesterday totaling $65,000 for James Matthew Carlton “Jamie” Griffin.
34-year-old Mary Elizabeth “Missy” Griffin was also charged with Attempt to Possess plus Attempt and Conspiracy. Officer Sweat states that on March 29th 2015 Mary Elizabeth Griffin did attempt to obtain a quantity of non-prescription ephedrine products totaling more than 9 grams in a 30-day period from Walgreens’ at 814 East Main in Laurens. Officer Veal alleges that on April 14th Mary Griffin conspired with James Matthew Griffin by purchasing excessive amounts of Pseudoephedrine for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Cash or Surety bonds were set on Mary Elizabeth Griffin totaling $11,300.
In addition to Unlawful Neglect of a Child, Cathy Gail Griffin was charged with Attempt and Conspiracy. Officer Veal states that on April 14, 2015 Cathy Griffin conspired with James Griffin by providing a residence for him to manufacture methamphetamine. Cash or surety bonds were set at $10,650 for 56-year-old Cathy Gail Griffin.
All three Griffins remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.