South Whitehall Man Busted for Meth Lab in Home

From the Office of the District Attorney: A South Whitehall Township man has been charged with operating a methamphetamine laboratory out of his residence, where police seized an assault rifle with a loaded magazine, chemicals, packaging materials and other items used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Steven Brad Kresge, 39, of 4703 Fair Drive, was charged the evening of Jan. 17, after police entered the residence, which is close to other occupied residences, and discovered an active methamphetamine lab.

Kresge is charged with a felony of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, misdemeanors of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and felonies of causing or risking a catastrophe and having liquefied ammonia gas and other chemicals.

In a separate case, he is charged with felonies of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and criminal conspiracy and a misdemeanor of possession of a controlled substance. 

Detectives with the Lehigh County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Kresge’s residence at about 11:18 p.m. on Jan. 17. They were assisted by South Whitehall Township police and the Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Lab Team.

According to affidavits of probable cause in the two cases: On Jan. 17, a search warrant was executed at the Fair Drive residence as a result of an investigation into the sale, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine.

Police discovered an active methamphetamine lab and finished product that tested positive for methamphetamine. Police seized an assault rifle with a loaded magazine and various items used to manufacture methamphetamine. All chemicals and byproducts were secured and taken into custody by the Clandestine Lab Team.

Inside the residence, police found various chemicals that could cause an explosion, fire or release of poisonous gas. In a separate case, police made arrangements to purchase seven grams of methamphetamine for $1,150.

The evening of Aug. 16, 2012 Kresge and another man arrived at 2601 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township with 5.8 grams of methamphetamine.

As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant, Steven Brad Kresge, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.