Three Jailed in Clarion Co. Meth Bust; Children Placed in CYS Custody

meth-bust
RIMERSBURG, Pa. (EYT) – Three people are facing felony charges following a Clarion County Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) drug bust last night in Rimersburg, Clarion County.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Clarion County Chief Detective William Peck, IV, charges have been filed against Julie Ann Simpson, 31, of Rimersburg, David James McGiffin, 19, of Sligo, and Brett Jason Lawson, 36, of Templeton.

On October 22, a member of Pennsylvania State Police Troop C Vice informed Peck that he received a phone call indicating that methamphetamine was being manufactured at the residence of Julie Simpson, located at 668 Craig Street in Rimersburg.

It was determined that Simpson and David J. McGiffin along with Simpson’s two minor children were at the residence. CNET subsequently contacted PSP Clarion, Clarion County Southern Regional Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police Troop C Vice.

Around 9:45 p.m., law enforcement approached the residence to investigate. Upon arrival, Simpson exited the trailer. Peck identified himself to Simpson and explained the accusations. Simpson denied that any meth-related activity was taking place at the residence.

Simpson told police that her children, ages 4 and 6-months-old, were in the residence with her boyfriend, Brett J. Lawson.

According to the complaint, Lawson approached the front door a short time later and then immediately shut the door upon seeing police.

Simpson agreed to let Peck enter the home after he expressed concern for the safety of her children.

Simpson indicated that no one else was inside the trailer. Peck then observed two males hiding in hallway.

Peck immediately asked Simpson to exit the residence. Simpson stated that she did not know anyone was in the residence.

At 10:08 p.m., Simpson agreed to sign a search consent form.

Peck re-entered the residence and located white powder, a bottle of lye, and coffee filters underneath the rear bedroom sink. In a closet near the rear bathroom, police discovered a plastic bottle with residue which police believed was being used as a methamphetamine “one pot.”

The children were immediately removed from the home and later placed into the care of Children and Youth Services (CYS).

According to the criminal complaint, it was also determined that Simpson allegedly had a family member purchase Claritin-D, a commonly used ingredient used in the process of making methamphetamine.

The Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Lab Response Team was called to the scene to collect the methamphetamine-related items inside the residence in a safe manner.

Authorities say the team was able to locate all of the items necessary to manufacture methamphetamine. They also located “finished product” directly next to the driver’s license of Lawson.

At 12:31 a.m., investigators interviewed McGiffin. McGiffin allegedly told police that he observed Lawson making the methamphetamine in the “back bathroom” and that Lawson gave him some, which he smoked before the police arrived.

At 12:58 a.m., Simpson was interviewed at PSP Clarion. Simpson denied that methamphetamine was being “cooked” at her residence. She did allegedly admit to giving McGiffin $11.00 to purchase “an unknown item that he needed to make meth.”

Simpson also allegedly stated that she planned to purchase methamphetamine from McGiffin after he made it. Simpson allegedly stated that when McGiffin returned to the trailer and “went to the back bedroom and told her that he was going to dry the meth,” she believed he cooked it somewhere else.

The criminal complaint states that Simpson also told police that she had a family member purchase Claritin-D earlier in the day and that she planned on using it for making meth.

At 1:18 a.m., Lawson was interviewed at PSP Clarion and denied any involvement. Lawson told police that he “did not even know anyone else was inside the residence besides him, Simpson, and the two children.”

Simpson, Lawson, and McGiffin were subsequently charged with the following offenses at Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s Office:

– Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Conspiracy – Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Manufacture of Methamphetamine – Child Present, Felony 3
– Conspiracy – Manufacture of Methamphetamine – Child Present, Felony 3
– Knowingly possess ephedrine, Misdemeanor
– Conspiracy – Knowingly possess ephedrine, Misdemeanor
– Possession Red Phosphorus, etc w/ Intent to Manufacture Controlled Substance, Felony
– Conspiracy – Poss Red Phosphorus, etc w/ Intent to Manufacture Controlled Substance, Felony
– Operating a methamphetamine lab, Felony 2
– Conspiracy – Operating a methamphetamine lab, Felony 2
– Int Possession Controlled Substance By Per Not Registered, Misdemeanor
– Conspiracy – Int Possession Controlled Substance By Per Not Registered, Misdemeanor
– Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
– Conspiracy – Use/Poss Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
– Risking Catastrophe, Felony 3
– Conspiracy – Risking Catastrophe, Felony 3
– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
– Conspiracy – Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2

Simpson, Lawson, and McGiffin were placed in the Clarion County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail each.

All three defendants face preliminary hearings on November 10 before Judge Miller.


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