Butler County Sheriff's Office

[Public Info Officer]

For Immediate Release… August 12, 2011

Alert Patrol Deputy Discovers Meth Lab in Milford Township

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports that a Meth Lab was discovered in Milford Township last night by an alert Sheriff’s Deputy. The Deputy had responded to 3971 Hamilton Richmond Road shortly after midnight this morning at the request of the Ohio State Patrol, to make contact with the owner of a vehicle (a truck) found with a screwdriver in its ignition. While approaching the residence, the Deputy passed by an outbuilding on the property and noticed a strong odor of ammonia. After assurances from the owner of the truck that there was not any issue with the vehicle, the Deputy inquired about the outbuilding, which was apparently being used by the truck owner’s son, who was not currently at home, but would be returning soon.

Additional Deputies and Sheriff’s BURN (Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics) Agents responded to the scene. Upon the son’s return home, a search was conducted of the building, where a meth lab was discovered. Additional crews from the Sheriff’s Office, Milford Fire Department, and Hanover Fire Department were called to assist with processing and clean up. The son, Charles (Rick) Barger, age 48, of the Hamilton Richmond Road address, was arrested and taken to the Butler County Jail. He is charged with Illegal Manufacture of Drugs (felony 2) and Illegal Possession of Chemicals for the Manufacture of Drugs (felony 3).

For additional information contact Lt. Mike Craft.

Prepared by: Sgt. Monte Mayer
Public Information Officer
Operations Support