Sheriff: Deputies Find Men Using Empty House As Meth Lab - WCMH: News, Weather, and Sports for Columbus, Ohio

Sheriff: Deputies Find Men Using Empty House As Meth Lab

Two men were arrested Thursday morning, accused of using a vacant home to make methamphetamine.

A neighbor tipped off Ross County authorities when he spotted activity at a nearby house that was supposed to be vacant on Kinzer Road.

Taken into custody at 266 Kinzer Rd. at 12:30 a.m. Thursday were 31-year-old Nicholas Babbs and 29-year-old Jonathon Bray.

Owners of the property were contacted and told investigators that neither man had permission to be at the home.

While investigating the neighbors tip, deputies detected a strong odor and the owner gave them permission to search. 

The survey of the house turned up equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. 

The U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force and deputies from Ross and Pike counties collected evidence which is being evaluated by the state's crime lab.

Babbs and Bray have been charged with burglary. Results of the crime lab's investigation could mean additional charges.

The two suspects are in the Ross County Jail.

Ross County Sheriff George Lavender commended the tip from the neighbor and the cooperation of the various law enforcement agencies as making the arrests possible.