Sikeston man arrested on meth-related charges

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man is behind bars for his involvement in two meth labs discovered in a Sikeston home.

Charles M. Bell, 42, is being held at the Scott County jail on charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, according to Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

The charges stem from a recent investigation by DPS and the Drug Task Force, which culminated with a search warrant being served about 11 a.m. Thursday at 231 Edmondson St., Apt. W, to serve the warrant.

"Inside the apartment [officers] found two active 'shake-and-bake' style meth labs, numerous chemicals and 7 grams of methamphetamine," McMillen said.

Also inside the home was an 18-month-old child, sleeping about 10 feet from the labs.

The Scott County Juvenile Office and Missouri Children's Division were also contacted.

Bell was given a $100,000 cash only bond and remains in custody awaiting his arraignment.