Michael J Ratliff

Missing License Plate Leads to Meth Arrest

Drug dealers and drug users are not the very smart. Why would they drive around with drugs on their person knowing the police are on the lookout for shady looking people. Even more stupid is broken tail lights, leaky exhaust, etc. is a big neon sign saying, 'arrest me'. Drug users are just plain stupid are so easy to spot.

One just can't fix stupid. Even worse is the poison exposure to family, children, and pets.

Jonesborough man arrested for methamphetamine following traffic stop.

According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Deputies arrested Michael J Ratliff, age 34, 111 Springfield Lane, Jonesborough; following a traffic stop for a having no license plate on his vehicle. Following the stop Ratliff's license was found to be suspended and he was taken into custody. From Ratliff's wallet deputies recovered 2 baggies of methamphetamine. In his pocket deputies recovered a glass pipe and a straw used to inhale illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed items used in the manufacture of Methamphetamine.

Investigators following up on the traffic stop and information they had received in reference to possible methamphetamine manufacture at Ratliff's home obtained permission to search Ratliff's home. There they recovered 4 used one pot bottles along with mixing containers, "gassers", ammonium nitrate, coffee filters and other precursors used to make meth, along with a 3rd baggie of methamphetamine. Investigators found a small dog and a cat inside the home, both were decontaminated. An adult female at the scene was also decontaminated.

Ratliff admitted to manufacturing methamphetamine after being mirandized by investigators. At this time Ratliff is charged with Failure to display registration plate, Driving on Suspended License, Possession of Schedule II for Resale, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $12,000 with arraignment scheduled for this morning.

When the methamphetamine lab/ maintaining a dwelling investigation is completed it will be presented to the Grand Jury for prosecution. Investigators anticipate charging more persons. 3 vehicles were seized along with a small amount of cash. The street value of the drugs is estimated at $150.

April 10, 2014

Methamphetamine Lab numbers down dramatically for 1st quarter.

According to Sheriff Ed Graybeal, Washington County Investigators have only cleaned 2 labs for the 1st quarter of 2014, down drastically from last year when WCSO numbers for the 1st quarter of 2013 were 14. The total number of labs and dumpsites in the entire Washington County area including Johnson City and Jonesborough for the 1st quarter of 2014 is 11, to date, including labs cleaned by the 1st DTF and JCPD. Last year during the same quarter total Washington County numbers were at 21.

In January of this year investigators discovered lab components at 3224 Knob Creek Road, a suspect was named and this case will be presented to the Washington County Grand Jury for consideration.

Earlier this week, Erwin Police Department Officers and Washington County Investigators assisted Jonesborough Police Department in the cleanup of components of a meth lab discovered in a backpack, inside a dumpster located on West Jackson Blvd.

Sheriff's Office Investigators have taught 6 different Meth Lab recognition and awareness classes to various Volunteer Fire Departments, High School classes and other groups of Washington County residents.

Sheriff's Investigators are available for future Meth Lab Recognition classes. Any Group interested is asked to contact Lt. William D Gregg at 423-788-1414.

Anyone with information on a Methamphetamine Labs or persons involved in the manufacture of Methamphetamine should contact their local Law Enforcement Agency and report the information as Methamphetamine Lab by-products are both dangerous and deadly.

Lewis Loflin

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