June 1, 2005 CONTACT: (630) 407-8160
Clandestine Meth Laboratory Shut Down
DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett and Burr Ridge Chief of Police Herbert Timm announced today that two suspects have been charged in connection with a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory located at 15 W 622 82nd Street, Burr Ridge, Illinois. Kimberly A. Fields, dob 6/3/68, of 15 W 622 82nd Street and Shawn R. Myers, dob 7/22/72, of 16608 Millpond Trail, Plymouth, Indiana, have been charged with a series of offenses in connection with the operation of a methamphetamine laboratory. Specifically, both defendants are charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intention to deliver (Class X Felony), unlawful possession of methamphetamine components with intent to deliver (Class X Felony), child endangerment at a methamphetamine laboratory (Class 2 Felony). Additionally, Kimberly Fields has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms ammunition without a FOID card (Class A Misdemeanor) and illegal of transportation of anhydrous ammonia (Class 4 Felony). The investigation into the operation of the methamphetamine laboratory resulted from a citizen assist report completed by officers of the Burr Ridge Police Department on Memorial Day. The officers responded to the home to meet with a concerned adult who had access to the home. Observations made by the police while in the home alerted them to the strong likelihood that illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine was taking place on or about the residence.
Yesterday, agents from Burr Ridge Police Department, DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the Drug Enforcement Administration and DuPage County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, as well as the Tri-State hazardous material team and other agencies executed a search warrant on the property resulting in the discovery of a clandestine laboratory being operated in a shed behind the main structure. Two children, ages 1 and 6 were removed from the home and placed in the custody of relatives. Due to the extreme danger and volatility of the substances recovered on or about the property the immediate vicinity has been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The manufacture of methamphetamine is extremely dangerous both in human contact with the by-products, as well as the high risk of explosion. The evacuation is expected to remain in place until at least 3:00 p.m. today. No persons will be allowed into the restricted area without a police escort pending an all clear signal.
“The manufacture and use of methamphetamine is extremely dangerous. This is one of the most addictive substances currently available on the street,” said State’s Attorney Birkett. “The operation of this laboratory not only endangered the people manufacturing and using the methamphetamine, but also the two small children residing in the home as well as the unsuspecting neighbors of these defendants. We have been fortunate here in DuPage County that the methamphetamine epidemic that has spread across this country has not yet taken a firm foothold in our County; however, as we have repeatedly warned, this drug is by far the most prevalent synthetic controlled substance illegally manufactured in the United States. We are also seeing large quantities of the drug being imported from Mexico. The cheap price, the extreme high, and its addictive qualities have made this drug attractive to the drug dealers and gang members. The type of activity discovered here today will be met with swift and severe justice in order to protect the public from these defenders and to deter others from being tempted to engage in such a pattern of destructive behavior.”
State’s Attorney Birkett and Chief Timm expressed their sincere appreciation to all of the dedicated personnel who investigated this case and assisted with the clean up operation which is still ongoing. Special praise was given to DuMEG Director Mike Cooke and his team of agents for their extraordinary dedication and expertise.
In addition to the severe penalties these defendants are facing, they will also be required to make restitution to all the public agencies assisting in this investigation, including the cost of clean up.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
