CALDWELL COUNTY, NC April 11 2013 A Caldwell County teacher's assistant from Hudson is facing meth charges.
The Caldwell County Sheriff says agents with the Ice Unit charged 50-year-old Marc Hodges of Winter Hill Court Sunday.
Hodges is employed by the Caldwell County School System as a teacher assistant, according to deputies. WBTV is checking with school officials about Hodges' current employment status.
Hodges is charged with felony manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of meth precursor chemicals, and maintaining a dwelling to keep/store a controlled substance.
The U.S. Marshall Service at Charlotte Douglas International Airport arrested Hodges upon his return from a week vacation in Cozumel Mexico with his girlfriend. According to a press release, "Hodges was literally arrested from his seat in first class after landing."
Agents acquired warrants for Hodges' arrest April 3 after a joint drug investigation with the Hudson Police Department.
Hodges was on the radar based on several ephedrine purchases at various stores.
Ice Agents and Hudson Police Officers say they identified Hodges as a prime suspect after sifting through his discarded household trash. They say they found precursor chemicals and paraphernalia used to make meth.
Based on what was found in the trash, officers received a warrant to search Hodges' home.
Inside the home, investigators say they found components of a meth lab with more precursor chemicals. Agents identified the lab as a "red p" type, which is an older way of manufacturing meth. Agents also seized a 2002 BMW car as a result of the investigation.
Caldwell County Sheriff Alan C. Jones said, "This was a very volatile situation with him cooking methamphetamine in his apartment. He not only put himself in extreme danger, but the lives and safety of the other tenants in the duplex."
Hodges was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday in District Court.
If you have additional information about illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, please contact the following:
Hudson Police Department at 828-728-5021.
Granite Falls Police Department at 828-396-3358.
Caldwell County Sheriff's Office I.C.E. Unit at 828-757-1178.
Lenoir Police Department's Narcotics Division at 828-757-2145.
Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.
All tips will be kept confidential.
Source: WBTV