Madison County ‘junk house’ to be inspected after meth bust
MARKLEVILLE, Ind. (WISH) – People in Madison County are hoping for a cleanup of their neighbor’s property after a meth bust. Officials already cleared the hazardous chemicals but the suspects were living in deplorable conditions, according to Madison County Sheriff Scott Mellinger.
The property at 4264 East County Road 800 South is littered with vacuum cleaners, a lawn mower, an old truck and piles of other items surrounding the home.
“Our kids say it’s the junk house,” neighbor Jennifer Mozingo said.
Detectives arrested Glendon Sturgill and Melissa Bowman Tuesday night. They’re each facing four charges, including manufacturing meth and maintaining a common nuisance. Sheriff Mellinger said an 18-year-old was also living in the home.
Mozingo said the mess sat outside “the junk home” as long as she can remember.
“It’s a little concerning, knowing we have children and there’s others in the neighborhood that do,” Mozingo said. “Maybe someone can clean the property up now.”
Brad Newman of the Madison County Planning Commission said county workers will inspect the property and if they find a violation, they’ll ask the owners to clean it up. If the owners don’t cooperate, Newman said the county could take them to court.
“I think most of the people around here take pride in their property, and obviously they don’t,” Mozingo said. “I think it affects the neighborhood.”
Sheriff Mellinger said officials found plastic bottles, lithium batteries and pseudoephedrine packaging in the garage. Detectives believe the suspects cooked the drugs for themselves and not to sell meth.
