Deputies from the Jones County Sheriff Department searched a house in the Sharon Community today and arrested four people for allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine. The search and subsequent arrests were triggered by calls from concerned citizens.

According to Sheriff Alex Hodge, “Jones County deputies obtained consent to search the residence at 29 Sharon Moss Road after receiving calls from concerned citizens regarding the ‘smell of burning chemicals’ coming from the residence.”

Upon entry to the residence, the sheriff added, deputies discovered a small child in the home. The child was surrounded by chemicals and precursors used to manufacture methamphetamine and a large quantity of the finished product. Arrested and charged were Charles Beard, 45, of Triangle Wood Drive of Laurel for manufacturing methamphetamine and Shana McDonnieal, 32, of Petal, who was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and child endangerment. The small child was placed in custody of the Department of Human Services. While law enforcement officials were processing the crime scene, a husband and wife – Jonathan Heath, 34, and Donna Heath, 25 – of the 800 block of Sharon Moss Road pulled up to the residence, allegedly in possession of several precursors and chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine. They were unaware that deputies were on the scene.

Hodge said, “It is believed that the suspects were possibly coming to the residence to ‘join in on the manufacturing party’, but to their surprise the party was over and their friends in custody.”

The Heaths were charged with possession of precursors and booked in the Jones County Adult Detention Center.