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December 3, 2009

Couple nabbed in meth lab probe

By BOB GIBBINS

An area couple faces multiple drug charges after one of them was arrested on an out-of-state warrant.

Sheriff’s investigators said they received information earlier this week that Hurley Dewayne Pitts, 36, was at a local motel and was wanted in Lubbock, Texas. They found the car Pitts was allegedly driving in the parking lot.

Motel management confirmed Pitts was in a room there, and he was arrested.

While investigators were at the motel, they saw evidence of drug possession and obtained a search warrant. They also arrested Pitts’ wife, Kandice, 26.

Officers found and seized a white, powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine; a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana; some white pills; a pill grinder; and Heet, Drano and other items allegedly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

An investigator asked Hurley whether anything in the room could be used in a “shake-and-bake” meth lab, and the suspect allegedly said he only used the “shake-and-bake” method in his vehicle, which was also seized.

Shake-and-bake, a relatively new way to manufacture meth, is also simpler than other methods and can be done in vehicles.

The Pittses were booked for endeavoring to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of controlled drug with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled drug without a valid prescription, and possession of paraphernalia.

Hurley is a convicted felon in Cherokee and Muskogee counties for forcible sodomy, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, burglary and possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute.

Sheriff’s deputies, District 27 Drug Task Force agents and Tahlequah police were involved in the recent investigation.

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