Couple facing charges after meth lab discovery

BAINBRIDGE- Two people are facing charges related to the discovery of a methamphetamine lab in Ross County on Thursday.

Jonathon Rackley, 33, was charged with illegal manufacturing and possession of chemicals with intent. He also was served with two felony warrants out of Ross County. Lt. Mike Preston of the Ross County Sheriff's Office said the warrants were for charges of theft and receiving stolen property. Alesha Bennett, 31, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and served with a warrant out of Fayette County.

The Ross County Sheriff's Office was called to a home in the 900 block of Free Lane near Bainbridge around 2:30 p.m. Thursday. The deputy was informed Rackley and his girlfriend, Bennett, were causing problems at the home.

Deputies found a man, later identified as Rackley, in the woods behind the home. Rackley took off running with two bags in hand, according to the sheriff's office. When the deputy caught up to him, Rackley resisted arrest, but was "brought under control" and taken into custody, according to the report.

The bags were found to have an active meth lab kit inside, along with materials used to manufacture meth, a news release from the sheriff's office stated.

Bennett also was found in the woods. Inside a purse she was carrying, officials found drug abuse instruments and suspected meth, the report said.

Investigators from the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force were called to dismantle the lab and collect evidence. Paint Township Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

Ross County Common Pleas Court records show Rackley was indicted on charges of receiving stolen property and theft, both fifth-degree felonies, Dec.13, 2013. Rackely failed to appear for a jury trial on the charges, and a warrant was issued for his arrest June 5, 2014, according to court records.

A warrant was issued in March 2015 for Bennett out of Washington Court House Municipal Court for probation violation on an original charge of petty theft, a first-degree misdemeanor, dating to November 2011, court records show.