Meth Maker Would Have 'Retaliated' if Cops Came in Forcefully

A St. Peters couple is accused of making methamphetamine in their home on Michelle Lane.

Gregory Jennings, 48, and Darla Smithson, 46, both of the first block of Michelle Lane in St. Peters, each were charged March 7 with possessing a chemical with intent to make a controlled substance.

Jennings also was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force detectives said Jennings bought 52 boxes of pseudoephedrine since Aug. 16, 2010, and Smithson bought 53 boxes since Aug. 20, 2010.

Jennings allowed detectives to walk through the home Sept. 7, and officers saw multiple high-powered rifles throughout the home, according to a Drug Task Force report.

Police said Jennings told them, “I’m glad you guys came here soft, because if you didn’t I’d have to retaliate,” according to a court document.

Police said Jennings appeared paranoid and said several times that he didn’t trust the government.

After a search warrant was obtained, Drug Task Force members found meth and chemicals and items used to make meth inside the home. The chemicals and other items included pseudoephedrine, solvents, ether, butane, a foil smoking device and rubber tubing.

Jennings and Smithson each posted 10 percent of a $20,000 bond March 14 and were released from St. Charles County Corrections.

For more crime information on St. Peters Patch, see the following articles:

• Man Charged With Selling Cocaine to Undercover Officer