Meth maker gets probation, fine, 200 hours of community service

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — A Trumbull County man will be spending time working for the public after pleading guilty to a felony drug charge.

Jason D. Deshetler, 28, of Johnny K Boulevard, Hubbard, appeared Thursday before Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing. Deshetler pleaded guilty to illegal manufacture of drugs, a second-degree felony.

Judge Durkin sentenced Deshetler to three years’ probation.

The judge also fined him $1,000 and ordered him to serve 200 hours of community service.

He could have faced up to eight years in prison.

Deshetler was arrested on a warrant in early October at his home by police and members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

Police received a tip about the possible operation, and on June 29 went to 1853 Mathews Road, Boardman, to investigate.

A police report from that day described “a strong acidic odor” coming from the home’s garage.

The home’s occupants gave police their consent to search it, the report said, and people at the home told police that methamphetamine had been manufactured in the garage earlier.

Police and an agent from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration found anhydrous ammonia, one of the ingredients used in the manufacture of the drug, in the garage.

Among other items found were a 100-pound propane tank reported to contain anhydrous ammonia, a sports drink bottle containing residue, tubing and a lithium battery with the lithium removed.

Deshetler was involved in making the drug, police said.