Poplar Bluff man pleads to meth charge

James L. Nattier, 29, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to attempting to manufacture methamphetamine. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Jean C. Hamilton in Cape Girardeau. Nattier faces up to 30 years in prison and a $2 million fine with the court imposing a period of supervised release of at least six years. Sentencing was set for May 24.

With his plea, Nattier admitted that on April 19, while he was making the drug at 1909 Marshall St. in Poplar Bluff, fumes in the home became so strong they began pouring through the windows and doors. The fumes drew the attention of officers, who forced entry into the home when no one answered the door.

Nattier was found hiding in a closet. Several items associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine were found in the home.