Seven Children Found Living In Meth House

Huntsville, TN (2011-12-14) A Huntsville couple is behind bars following the discovery of meth lab inside their Straight Fork home. Seven children, who reportedly were living in deplorable conditions, have been taken into protective custody.

Gary W. Handley, age 37, and Patricia B. Handley, 30, both of the Straight Fork community, were arrested on multiple drug and child abuse charges Wednesday afternoon by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. The couple, stated a warrant drafted by Sgt. Danny Phillips of the Sheriff’s Department, were allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine inside a bedroom at their residence; a home were seven children, ranging in age from 1 to 14, were reportedly living in appalling conditions.

Acting on information provided by a school resource officer, Sgt. Phillips and Drug Agent Kris Lewallen of the Scott County Sheriff’s Department reportedly traveled to the couple’s home around 3:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon to conduct a welfare check on the couple’s children and their cousins, who were also living at the residence. The children, stated the warrant, had, on several occasions, been ill with unexplained rashes.

Authorities reportedly found an active one-pot methamphetamine lab inside a large laundry detergent box inside the couple’s bedroom. Deputies also allegedly found a host of drug paraphernalia, including glass pipes used for smoking methamphetamine, snorting straws, and aluminum foil containing meth. A baby bottle, blanket and bib, stated authorities, were all allegedly found within two feet of the lab. Other items commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine were reportedly strewn throughout the house, including in areas were the children were sleeping (on the floor). Officers also allegedly recovered many precursors to the meth manufacturing process, several one-pot meth labs, and trash containing contaminated chemicals and other items resultant of the cooking process inside a nearby garage.

The children were taken from the home and transported to Justice Center for decontamination. The Department of Children’s Services reportedly took the seven kids, four males and three females, to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville for medical evaluation.

While being booked, Patricia Handley, who reportedly had a black eye, claimed her husband had hit her. Gary Handley reportedly admitted to striking his wife, claiming she had spit in his face. While being process, authorities reportedly found a small piece of a suboxone tablet on Mr. Handley.

In addition to the drugs and drug paraphernalia, officers also reportedly recovered an illegally modified sawed-off shotgun pistol inside the home.

As result of the bust, authorities lodged a long list of drug charges against the pair, including aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect under Haley’s Law, making them the first in Scott County to be charged with the new crime. Haley’s Law, which was enacted last year by the Tennessee General Assembly, became effective on July 1, 2011. Per the statute, child abuse, neglect or endangerment that results from the knowing exposure of a child to the initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine results in enhanced punishment to the perpetrator. The Handleys were each charged with two counts of violating the statute, which is normally a Class B felony; however, if the victims are of less than eight years of age, the pair could be charged with a Class A felony, which is punishable with no less than 15 years in prison.

In addition to those charges, the couple was charged with promotion of the manufacture of methamphetamine; initiating the process of manufacture of methamphetamine; manufacturing meth; possession of less than .5 gram of methamphetamine, a schedule II controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; aggravated child abuse and neglect (5 counts); and possession of a prohibited weapon. Gary Handley was also charged with possession of suboxone, a schedule III controlled substance; and domestic violence.

Gary Handley is being held in the Scott County Jail under a $200,000 secure bond. Patricia Handley is likewise in the Scott County Jail. Her bond was set at $175,000.