Pair of drug labs seized on Lapperell Road

WAVERLY — Earlier this week, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office seized two illegal drug labs and made a pair of arrests at the same address on Lapperell Road.

According to the sheriff’s office, the seizures by deputies with help from investigators from the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force and officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources took place over two consecutive days early in the week.

Taken into custody were Benjamin Keith Knisley, 31, of Peebles, and Kristina R. Agustus, 33, of Xenia, who had warrants out for their arrest and were questioned about any possible connection to the drug labs.

According to Pike County Common Pleas Court records, Knisley was charged with second-degree felony illegal manufacturing of drugs, third-degree felony chemical manufacturing and second-degree misdemeanor obstruction of official business. He has pleaded not guilty to the obstruction charge and is scheduled for pre-trial hearings on all three charges Wednesday. His bond was set at $70,000 cash or 10 percent bond with random drug testing.

Authorities Friday were still looking for a third suspect, Travis Martin, 34, of 3943 Lapperell Road in Peebles, who they say fled into the woods as they approached the home and may possibly have gone into hiding in the Bainbridge area. Martin is presently wanted on aggravated robbery and burglary charges. Anyone who spots Martin is asked to avoid contact with him and to contact local law enforcement.

Anyone with information on the Lapperell Road labs is asked to call the sheriff at 740-947-2111 or report tips online to www.pikecosheriff.com.