Mary C. Marcum
Update: Mary Marcum, 33, who was found guilty of illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a juvenile was sentenced to 10 years in prison today in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas.
Original Story published June 11, 2013
Following a two day trial in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas, a Gallia County Jury found Mary Marcum, 33, guilty of illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a juvenile, a felony of the first degree.
Marcum was arrested in January 2013 following a search of a Georges Creek Road residence. The investigation was initiated following a tip from citizen that meth manufacturing was occurring at the home.
According to the initial police report, upon arrival at the home, deputies with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office found several bags on the front porch containing plastic drink bottles often used in “one-pot” meth making and could smell the odor of methamphetamine being manufactured. Evidence of meth making was found inside the trash, as well as inside the home. Two children, ages 9 and 11, were also inside the residence.
GCSO Meth Lab Technician Sgt. Chris Gill said they are pleased with the verdict.
“This shows what law enforcement and the public can do if they work together,” said Gill.
Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning commended the law enforcement staff on the investigation of complaint.
“The verdict should send a message,” said Browning.
“This verdict was made possible by the hard work of the Gallia County Prosecutor’s Office and the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office working together,” said Assistant Prosecutor Britt Wiseman. “We take these meth labs seriously, especially when they are found near children. We are dedicated to cleaning up those illegal operations around the county because the residents of Gallia County deserve it.”
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. Due to the presence of children, which elevated the charge to a felony of the first degree, Marcum faces at least 10 years in prison. The sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
Aaron Fitzpatrick, 19, who was arrested at the residence with Marcum currently has a warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear to his jury trial which was scheduled for May 28, 2013. He also faces first degree felony manufacturing of methamphetamine charges.
Marcum and Fitzpatrick’s cases were the first to be presented to the Gallia County Grand Jury in 2013. Since January, eight more people have been charged with illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Several face additional charges. Those cases are still ongoing.
Meth related charges handed down in 2013 as of May are:
Matthew White
Matthew S. White, 24, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Joseph Shepherd
Joseph L. Shepherd, 44, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Shepherd was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.
Amanda Rodgers
Amanda L. Rodgers, 34, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. According to court records, a warrant for Rodgers’ arrest on the indictment has been issued.
Brad Johnson
Brad E. Johnson, 34, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Johnson was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.
Rodney E. Byus, 42, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Byus was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.
Tommy Thompson Jr.
Tommy Thompson Jr., 28, first degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Ronald Schaefer
Ronald M. Schaefer, 33, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Shaefer was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.
Willis Goody
Willis M. Goody, 41, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Goody was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.
Citizens with information on drug and criminal activity or the whereabouts of those with active warrants can contact the GCSO 24 hour tip line at 740-446-6555.