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Meth arrest

MASON — One arrest for allegedly attempting to manufacture meth back in August has led to another. Aaron K. Vaninwagen, 30, Middleport, Ohio, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 28 and charged with conspiracy to operate a clandestine lab by the Mason County Sheriff’s Department.

The criminal complaint says back in August, Eric Humphreys, Gallipolis, Ohio, was arrested in Mason for attempting to operate a clandestine lab in Mason. As reported back in August from the criminal complaint, residents of the Zuspan Mobile Home Park observed Humphreys walking through the park carrying a camouflage backpack, while another resident noticed him walking toward the riverbank with the backpack. One of the residents went into the woods to investigate, and though they didn’t locate Humphreys, they did locate a camouflage backpack.

Officers with the sheriff’s department were then called to investigate, and while looking for identification regarding the ownership of the backpack, deputies allegedly found what could be meth-making materials consistent with a mobile, “shake and bake” clandestine lab.

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement believed Humphreys did not act alone. After finding a receipt for drain cleaner in Humphrey’s backpack, investigators reviewed tapes at the Wal-Mart store in Mason. This tape along with help from the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) system, led investigators to identify Vaninwagen. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was finally taken into custody this week.

Vaninwagen’s bond has been set at $100,000 in Mason County Magistrate Court. He’s currently being housed at the Western Regional Jail.

Arrests

The Mason County Sheriff’s Department reports the following arrests: Jonah A. Brown, 25, Leon, two counts wanton endangerment, capias, arrested by Deputy Rhodes. Carrie E. Pruett, 28, Buffalo, peace bond warrant, arrested by Sgt. Varian.