Pubdate: Fri, 08 Mar 2002
Source: Daily News Journal  (TN)
Copyright: 2002 Mid-South Publishing Company
Contact:  http://dnj.midsouthnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1709
Note: Include name, address and phone number on LTEs
Author: Lisa Marchesoni, Staff Reporter Of The Daily News Journal
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

WOODBURY MAN CHARGED IN METH BLAST

Explosion Destroyed Apartments

WOODBURY - Multiple charges were filed Wednesday against a man accused of 
manufacturing methamphetamine in his apartment Saturday which ignited and 
destroyed 15 family residences, authorities said.

Robert Wayne Barrett, 15 Maples Apartments, East Main Street, was charged 
with manufacturing methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for keeping or 
selling a controlled substance, reckless endangerment and possession of 
drug paraphernalia.

Items used specifically to manufacture methamphetamine were found in and 
near Barrett's apartment, where the fire started, Tennessee Bureau of 
Investigation Agent Jason Wilkerson reported.

Barrett allegedly manufactured methamphetamine without regard to the safety 
of his child and other renters, resulting in the reckless endangerment 
charge, the agent's affidavit stated.

His wife, Melissa Carol Barrett, was admitted to Vanderbilt University 
Medical Center in Nashville after suffering burns. Their daughter was 
treated for burns on her feet.

Hospital spokesman John Howser said Mrs. Barrett was listed in stable 
condition in the burn unit Thursday afternoon.

Woodbury Police Chief Bill Avera said once Wilkerson obtained the arrest 
warrants, the warrants were faxed to Vanderbilt officers who apprehended 
Barrett while visiting his wife at the medical center. A Woodbury police 
officer transported Barrett to the Cannon County Jail.

Wilkerson's affidavit stated TBI and the Department of Commerce's Bomb and 
Arson unit investigated the cause and origin of the blaze.

"Agents were able to recover from the debris in and around apartment number 
15 several items that were in combinations and quantities that are specific 
to the production and manufacture of methamphetamines and nothing else," 
Wilkerson stated.

Barrett allegedly engaged in conduct which placed the Maples Apartments' 
residents in immediate danger of death or serious injury, the TBI agent 
reported.

TBI agents questioned Barrett and his wife.

"Agents found inconsistencies in their statements insofar as their 
activities immediately before and during the start of the fire," Wilkerson 
reported.

Sheriff's administrator Wayne LeFevers said Robert Barrett remains in jail. 
General Sessions Court Judge Susan Melton set bond at $200,000.

A hearing is scheduled Tuesday in General Sessions Court.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom