- November 30, 2024
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The pink house at 1 Cooper Lane was known as the messy one on the block, neighbors said.
Late Friday afternoon, it was empty. Children’s toys were strewn about the yard: a plastic picnic table, tricycles. A broken hammock.
Just a few hours earlier, authorites executed a search warrant on the home located in the Palm Harbor section of Palm Coast, finding an active meth lab on the exterior patio.
Inside, Sheriff’s Office deputies found five adults and two children, both 4 years old. Three adults were arrested Friday on various charges.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit called in the St. Johns County Hazmat Unit Friday afternoon to dismantle a meth lab at the home.
Those charged are Brent Chambers, 35; Heather Hastey, 42, and Will Hodge, 30. The Florida Department of Children and Families was called out to determine the conditions of the children and whether they will be taken into emergency custody. Two other adults were released from the scene with no charges filed.
A neighbor who saw the scene around noon Friday said it's a "sad" situation. The 4-year-old children were often seen outside playing late at night.
"Everyone knew something was up," the neighbor said. "They had animals everywhere. The house was out of place. But around the holidays, they had the best Christmas decorations, Easter decorations. They seemed like a nice little family. Their kids play with other neighborhood kids."
Traffic in and out of the neighborhood on Clubhouse Drive was interrupted for the afternoon, but as of 4:30 p.m., there was no sign of law enforcement.
Cmdr. Jack Bisland of the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services unit said detectives as well as the Safe Neighborhood Unit have been investigating the home for several weeks.
“We received tips from citizens and we combined that with the information that we had collected. We were able to obtain the search warrant this morning,” Bisland said.
He said it appeared that the meth was being used for personal use, but also being manufactured on a small scale for distribution to others. Bisland added that the Palm Coast Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
“Our community, our residents play a vital part in what we are all striving for — a safe community. I wish to thank those who were proactive and reported the suspicious activity,” Flagler County Sheriff James L. Manfre said.
Chambers, Hastey and Hodge were booked into the Flagler County Inmate Facility.
Chambers was charged with unlawful possession of chemical with intent, child neglect, possession of a controlled substance and manufacturing methamphetamine.
Hastey was charged with violation of probation — felony offense.
Hodge was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, child neglect and violation of probation — felony offense.
All three remained incarcerated as of Monday afternoon.
— Brian McMillan and Andrew O'Brien contributed to this report.
