Meth Lab Discovered – Six Arrested in Newark Valley

From NYS Police:

On February 26, 2013, police agencies in Tioga County executed a search warrant on Shirley Road in the Town of Newark Valley, leading to the seizure of an active methamphetamine lab and the arrest of six people.

The New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), Tioga County Sheriff’s Office, Owego Police Department, Vestal Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announce the arrest of the following people:

Scott A. Cole, age 23, of 704 Shirley Road, Newark Valley, New York.
Jamie Swackhammer, age 29, of 704 Shirley Road, Newark Valley, New York.
Bryan Burkard, age 31, 3585 Wilson Creed Road, Berkshire, New York.
Theresa Cochran, age 48, 328 Buffalo Road, Caroline, New York.
Kara Smithgall, age 23, 1228 Campville Road Endicott, New York
Melanie Short, age 28, 649 Back West Creek Road, Berkshire, New York.

The six were arrested when police agencies executed a search warrant at the Cole and Swackhammer residence at approximately 5:00 PM and discovered materials consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

The search warrant was executed by the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT) and the scene was processed by the State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT) due to the hazards associated with methamphetamine production.

The Newark Valley Fire Department responded at the request of CCSERT to maintain a presence during the mitigation and of the hazardous waste environment.

Upon execution of the search warrant, Cole attempted to flee to a wooded area behind his residence, but was located shortly thereafter by New York State Police Aviation and K-9 units.

During the search of the residence, police located approximately seven (7) ounces of liquid methamphetamine, five (5) grams of processed methamphetamine, hypodermic needles and numerous items associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine, as well as a .410 gauge shotgun.

All six subjects were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd degree – a Class A-II Felony, and arraigned in the Town of Newark Valley court and remanded to the Tioga County Jail without bail.

Further charges are pending and the investigation is continuing.