Meth lab found in Madison
Attempted theft of anhydrous ammonia from Osgood business leads to several arrests
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

An investigation that began with the theft of anhydrous ammonia from tanks located at the North Branch of the Laughery Valley Ag Co-op near Osgood, resulted in police finding a methamphetamine lab in a garage in Jefferson County.

Last Thursday morning, Osgood Town Marshal Rodney Stepleton, took Joshua B. Roeseler, 24, of Madison, into custody after he fled on foot from the Laughery Valley Ag Co-op. He was booked into the Ripley County Jail at 6:30 a.m. on May 20, and according to Jail Commander Bob Curl, his bond was set at $550 and he was still incarcerated as of Wednesday, May 26.

Also arrested later in the afternoon last Thursday was Robert A. King, 38, of Madison, who had fled from the scene at the Laughery Valley Ag Co-op earlier from Trooper Samuel Arp of the Indiana State Police and Marshal Stepleton.

King was apprehended on South Michigan Road near New Marion by Sheriff Bill Davison as the suspect attempted to flee on foot. He was booked into the Ripley County Jail at

2:59 p.m. that afternoon with his bond set at $550. He remains in the jail and is being held on a parole hold from the Columbus Parole Office.

Roeseler was formally charged by Prosecutor Ric Hertel on Monday, May 24, on charges of the theft of anhydrous ammonia, possessing anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine,
Schedule II drug.

King was formally charged with theft of anhydrous ammonia tanks, possession of anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, fleeing law enforcement after they had identified themselves and ordered him to stop.

In probable cause affidavits, both men "admitted to attempting to steal anhydrous ammonia from the Co-op."

Officers from the Osgood Police Department, Ripley County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police worked together on this case that led them to another arrest in Madison of 24-year-old Anthony W. Mitchell. His home at 920 Lanier Drive, was served with a search warrant where officers found a methamphetamine lab in the garage, a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Mitchell was arrested and taken to the Jefferson County Jail.

The incident is still under investigation and other arrests are expected according to police.