Polk Man Accused of Operating Meth Lab in Residence; Faces Five Felony Charges

| May 11, 2015

crime photoPOLK, Pa. (EYT) – Franklin-based State Police have filed five felony charges against a Polk man for alleged possession of ingredients for “cooking” methamphetamine and allegedly operating a meth lab in his residence located at 1474 Old Rt. 8, in Polk, Venango County.

Police have charged 39-year-old, Louis Alton Irwin, III, of Polk, with the following offenses:

  • Operating a methamphetamine lab, Felony 2
  • Deposits, stores, disposes chemical waste, Felony 3
  • Risking Catastrophe, Felony 3
  • Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
  • Possession Red Phosphorous, etc. w/ Intent to Manu Controlled Substance, Felony
  • Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Per Not Registered, Misdemeanor
  • Knowingly possess ephedrine, Misdemeanor
  • Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor

Trooper Wolak Requests Search Warrant on Irwin’s Residence

According to a criminal complaint, around 4:00 p.m. on January 5, 2015, Trooper Wolak requested an authorization to search and seize the chemicals used in “cooking” methamphetamine after investigating a related incident of DUI – Controlled Substance.

The complaint indicates that Irwin allegedly possessed a plastic container containing methamphetamine. Trooper Wolak NIK tested the suspected methamphetamine, and it allegedly tested positive for methamphetamines.

Two pieces of foil and a meth pipe were also allegedly located on Irwin’s person. Irwin allegedly advised that the methamphetamine was homemade, continues the complaint.

Trooper Wolak Interviews Irwin’s Estranged Girlfriend

According to the complaint, Trooper Wolak then spoke via telephone to a known estranged girlfriend of Irwin’s who has been an occasional resident of 1474 Old Rt. 8.

The known woman allegedly stated that Irwin had already produced methamphetamine, and all of the ingredients are still inside the house, the complaint indicates.

She allegedly told Trooper Wolak that most are in the basement, but some are also in the garage, the complaint states.

She allegedly said that on January 4, 2015, she used some of the methamphetamine that Irwin manufactured, the complaint continues.

She also allegedly stated that there are bottles in the basement that included the residue from cooking and also some of the finished methamphetamine. She said that Irwin has all of the ingredients in the house, according to the complaint.

The complaint states that the known woman allegedly said she has been around Irwin numerous times when he cooks, and she is familiar with the process. She related that he was getting upset because it was her turn to buy the next batch of Sudafed. She allegedly said Irwin just bought a box on Saturday night.

Trooper Wolak Interviews Irwin

According to the complaint, Irwin was questioned about the items in his residence.

He allegedly advised that the methamphetamine he had in his vest was some of the product he made the day before. He allegedly said that he also has most of the ingredients in his basement, the complaint states.

Irwin also allegedly related that he has a black tool bag located in the basement that contains batteries, acid, two Pepsi bottles, and all of the other ingredients. He allegedly said that the Pepsi bottles are what he cooks methamphetamines in, the complaint indicates.

Irwin allegedly advised that one of the bottles has finished meth in it and the other has the left over sludge, the complaint continues.

PSP Clandestine Responds to Residence; Allegedly Seizes Items Used to Manufacture Meth

According to the complaint, the residence at 1474 Old Rt. 8 in Polk was secured by PSP as Trooper Wolak obtained a search warrant. The PSP Clandestine Lab was notified and responded.

Twenty-six items were allegedly seized and found to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamines, the complaint continues.

Irwin Charged, Awaits Preliminary Hearing

Irwin was charged on May 4, 2015.

Unable to post $7,500.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Venango County Jail.

He faces a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. on May 13 in Venango County Central Court in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish.

Irwin Charged in Related Incident; Awaits Preliminary Hearing

Charges were also filed on May 4, 2015, on a related incident for the following offenses:

  • DUI: Controlled Substance – Schedule 1 – 1st Offense
  • Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Person Not Registered
  • Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Driving While Operating Privileges Suspended Or Revoked
  • Driving W/O A License

A preliminary hearing for this incident is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on June 3 in Venango County Central Court in front of Magisterial District Judge Michael D. Snyder.


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