Two residents arrested on meth charges

MILTON — Authorities arrested two Milton residents overnight and confiscated suspected methamphetmine, along with ingredients needed to manufacture the substance.

Those arrested were Craig O’dell Owens and Mary Susan Caserta. Both were charged with attempting to operate a clandestine drug lab and possessing a controlled substance with intent to deliver, according to criminal complaints filed in Cabell County Magistrate Court. Both are felony charges.

The two arrests occurred at different locations in Milton. The suspects were incarcerated between 2:20 a.m. and 2:50 a.m. Thursday, but court documents do not indicate if the incidents are connected.

Owens, 36, was arrested after a traffic stop near the intersection of U.S. 60 and Fairground Road. The criminal complaints charge that police confiscated 120 grams of suspected pseudoephedrine, four bags of suspected methamphetmine and 18 prescription pills from Owens’ vehicle. The pills included OxyContin, hydrocodone and suboxone.

The criminal complaints also charge that police found iodine crystals, coffee filters and heat tape in Owens’ vehicle.

The misdemeanor charges filed against Owens’ charge that he was driving a vehicle without insurance, proper registration or an operable registration light. He was also charged with driving on a suspended/revoked license. The later charge was connected to a prior driving under the influence arrest, according to the criminal complaints.

The criminal complaints filed against Caserta charge that police confiscated two bags of suspected methamphetmine, digital scales and packaging material from her Georgia Avenue residence. Authorities also confiscated two jars of bi-level liquid, camp fuel, muriatic acid and a gasoline generator, according to the complaints.

Owens and Caserta were being held at the Western Regional Jail Thursday morning.

Owens bond is $51,000, while Caserta’s is $45,000.

The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and Milton Police Department participated in the arrests.