Parkersburg, WV  --  This morning shortly after 2:00 a.m., Parkersburg police officers responded to 1006 Williams Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

Once on scene, officers began a search of the residence for a person that was hiding.  During the search, chemicals and items commonly used in the production of methamphetamine were allegedly discovered.  Agents with the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force (PNTF) were called in to assist with the investigation.

Agents and officers allegedly ultimately discovered an active clandestine methamphetamine drug laboratory inside the home, with PNTF agents working to process evidence and hazardous materials at the scene for the next seven (7) hours.

At this point, agents have charged Jack Lee Poland for felony possession of a precursor to manufacture methamphetamine.  Poland allegedly admitted to purchasing boxes of Pseudoephedrine and selling them for $50.00 to $100.00 each.  Agents are still investigating but say that more charges are pending in the case.

In regards to the domestic incident, Parkersburg officers arrested Melissa Jill Grass for domestic battery.  Officers allege that Poland and Grass, his girlfriend and mother of his children, were involved in a verbal altercation when Grass struck him in the face with a frying pan.

Polandand Grass were transported to headquarters and processed without incident.  Both were arraigned this morning in Wood County Magistrate.  Poland was released on a $5,000.00 bond.  Grass was released on a $500.00 bond.

Parkersburg officers on the scene did a good job in identifying the likely existence of a meth lab, in large part because of the Clandestine Laboratory training provided in May of 2011 by the West Virginia Construction Craft Laborers’ Training Center in Mineral Wells.  The Parkersburg Police Department sent 14 officers to the school, which focused on identification and investigation of a meth lab, as well as mitigation of the hazardous materials involved in the cooking process. 

Jack Lee Poland
Listed Address:  3611 Rollins Street, Parkersburg
DOB:  10-17-67

Melissa Jill Grass
Listed Address:  1006 Williams Street, Parkersburg
DOB:  11-24-72

*Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 The Parkersburg Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Parkersburg Police Department, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Vienna Police Department and West Virginia State Police.