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Suspected meth lab found dismantled in apartment on Ross Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Two Batavia men were arrested last night after the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant at 13 Ross Street, lower, looking for a suspected meth lab.

What officers reportedly found was a dismantled lab and some quantity of methamphetamine in various stages of production.

The two suspects in the case were apparently not at the residence at the time of the raid and were located elsewhere in the county.

Taken into custody were Warren T. Cotton, 33, and Eric D. Johnston, 31.

Cotton is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Johnston is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Cotton was arrested following a traffic stop at Walkers Corners Road in Byron. Johnston was located on Evans Street.

While Johnston was released on an appearance ticket, Cotton was jailed without bail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Assisting in the case were Wyoming County Drug Task Force, the Genesee County District Attorney's Office, the Office of Emergency Management and Mercy EMS.

Photos: Warren T. Cotton, upper right; Eric Johnston, lower left.

JON JONES

Can anyone please find out if being within 1000 feet of two schools and a library makes this a more serious crime why isnt it being portrayed this way in the news?

Feb 25, 2010, 3:28pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Jon; 10 minute search on google got me this:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=140&sh=story&story=20379

it's from 2006, so I don't know if it's still in effect. Basically, my take is that they have to be selling drugs within 1000 ft. From Howard's story, we have no idea if there is any proof of actual selling. That'll probably not be public knowledge until court. Be a little patient and you can find amazing amounts of info on the "net". I'm sure there's more out there on this, but I'm not going to look for it. Happy hunting

Feb 25, 2010, 4:16pm Permalink
bud prevost

Jon, why the major concern? Are you personally affected by this lab? I find it curious that you've been a member so long, with no comments, then you comment twice in the same day about the same thing! Inquiring minds want to know.

Feb 25, 2010, 4:17pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Interestingly enough a level 3 sex offender used to live in the same house and I believe it was the same back apartment. I'm not sure which one is worse.

Feb 25, 2010, 4:29pm Permalink
Brenda Ranney

And little by little Mayberry is eroded.
Yeah I know many natives dispute the reference but that's for another post.
Why should either of these men be considered for release ? Perhaps it would be different if oh say their lab blew up ? Yup, 100 year old building most under 25 feet apart all within a stones throw of two schools & a library. But they knew this since both we're frequent users of our Richmond Library.Bet they were ordering supplies online last week when I sat next to them.

Feb 25, 2010, 5:16pm Permalink
JON JONES

Bud I am personally affected by this lab, my children walk by that house everyday to and from school, sure i been a member for a while but its about time people started taking notice of these problems. And make sure this two low lifes go away for awhile. Bud! you might not care if you kids growing up around meth, even if you have kids. I surely dont want mine!

Feb 26, 2010, 8:17pm Permalink

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