Suspect surrenders
to authorities
after investigation

By Jody Norwood
Tribune-Courier News Editor
jnorwood@tribunecourier.com

MARSHALL COUNTY – A Marshall County man turned himself into authorities Friday afternoon after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Mikael Morgan, 26, surrendered after investigators found evidence of methamphetamine production inside a home he had been renting. Approximately 12 labs have been discovered on the property as of presstime, but that number could grow as the investigation continues.

“I believe there’s going to be more,” said one of the detectives handling the case. “Right now it’s hard to tell. [The labs] have not all been broken down yet.”

Responding to a call of possible drug activity, Marshall County Sheriff’s deputies and members of the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force obtained a search warrant for 336 Rick Road. The home, near Calvert City, was being rented by Morgan. According to reports by neighbors, Morgan had been verbally evicted from the home, but had been seen returning on multiple occasions.

There were “straws, burnt tin foil and other signs” of production inside the home, in addition to the labs.
Authorities issued a warrant for Morgan’s arrest for manufacturing methamphetamine and for criminal mischief, first degree. Morgan has also been charged with two counts of controlled substance endangerment to children, fourth degree. Two minors had previously been living in the home and were taken to Marshall County Hospital to test for possible chemical exposure.

The residence remains under quarantine until Environmental Protection Agency approved decontamination can be completed. The property was inspected by Environmental Director Julie Connor.

“Any time there is a lab in a residence it has to be cleaned,” said investigators. Kentucky law requires inhabitable property to be decontaminated by contractors certified by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC). According to information from the Drug Enforcement Agency, cleanup of a contaminated site averages $2,000-$3,000.

Property owners are responsible for the cost of cleanup.