SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Two Arrested in Large Methamphetamine Lab Bust

On August 31, 2007, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office SWAT team and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office SWAT team, executed a search warrant on the home of Joseph Virgil McCreless, located in the 5400 block of Calvary Church Road (Allentown Community). Intelligence had been gathered concerning McCreless in reference to his manufacturing, possession, and distribution of Methamphetamine. As SWAT and Narcotics executed the search warrant, McCreless was found hiding in a secret compartment in the master bathroom of the residence. The compartment was hidden underneath the false floor of a cabinet, which allowed McCreless to hide inside the cabinet, even after it was opened. McCreless' girlfriend, Marsha Gail Richardson, was also located inside the residence. Both suspects were detained and a methodical search was conducted throughout the residence. During the search approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine were located in the house. Over 1500 grams of methamphetamine in liquid form was seized from an out building on the property in which McCreless had been producing methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia was also seized from the residence. Also seized from the residence were numerous improvised homemade devices used to assist in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. A large amount of chemicals used to produce methamphetamine were also found, to include some substances that were actively producing anhydrous ammonia. Some of the hazardous waste that is a byproduct of the manufacturing process was found buried in containers on McCreless' property, which is also where McCreless invites the public to harvest and purchase Christmas trees during the holiday season. Both McCreless and Richardson were arrested on the below mentioned charges and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail.

In December 2004, McCreless was sentenced to 30 months in State Prison for numerous methamphetamine related charges. He was released March 23, 2006. All of this information is readily available on the Florida Department of Corrections website. Photographs of both subjects are attached to this email.

Suspects:

Joseph Virgil McCreless, W/M, 46 years old

5400 Block of Calvary Church Road , Milton , FL

Charges:

Possession of Methamphetamine

Trafficking in Methamphetamine 200 grams or more (Minimum Mand. 20 years)

Possession of Listed Chemicals to Manufacture Methamphetamine

Possession of Felony Narcotic Equipment

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

$200,000.00 Bond

Marsha Gail Richardson, W/F, 44 years old

5400 Block of Calvary Church Road , Milton , FL

   Charges:

   Possession of Methamphetamine

  Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

   $30,000.00 Bond

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net