FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amite- District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux reports that 38-year-old James Milton of Hammond, LA, pleaded no contest to three counts of possession of schedule II controlled dangerous substances, production/manufacturing/possession with intent to manufacture schedule II controlled dangerous substances, and simple burglary.
On September 30, 2014, Tangipahoa Sheriff Office deputies were dispatched to an address in reference to a burglary in progress. While deputies were in route they were advised that the suspect vehicle was a white Chevrolet Tahoe, towing a trailer.
While deputies were responding to the call southbound on Pumpkin Center Road they observed the suspect vehicle loaded down with items traveling northbound on Pumpkin Center Road.
Deputies quickly got behind the white Chevy Tahoe with emergency lights and sirens activated. The vehicle then pulled off to the right side of the road way. Once officers cleared both suspects from the vehicle they advised them of their Miranda Rights.
The passenger of the vehicle, Burt McBride, stated that he used to live at the residence and he was picking up his items. He further advised that he had received permission from the homeowner to enter the residence.
The driver, who was identified as James Milton advised that McBride lived with him and asked him to assist with moving some things from his old residence. Milton went on to say that he did enter the residence with him to help gather the items.
The homeowner advised she was contacted by one of her neighbors regarding people being on her property. She said she spoke with McBride over the phone and told him that he did not have permission to be on her property and to leave immediately. The homeowner was requested to respond to the scene, which she did. After arriving she identified several items on the trailer to be her belongings.
When detectives arrived on scene and gained written consent from Milton to search the vehicle they located a small vial containing methamphetamine and a suspected methamphetamine smoking pipe on the dashboard.
When Milton was questioned by detectives about the contents he admitted that the substances found was methamphetamine.
Due to the ongoing investigation with Milton, detectives requested that Milton and McBride be transported to his residence on Old Baton Rouge Highway. Upon arrival, detectives performed a search via written consent.
On arrival to the residence, Milton assisted in the discovery of a backpack, which contained various items utilized in the manufacturing and construction of a clandestine laboratory. Milton further led detectives to locations where additional illegal items were located. The items were seized as evidence.
After the search, Milton and McBride were transported to the Hammond Sub-station for questioning. Milton provided a recorded statement as to the events related to the investigation. In his statement he admitted to manufacturing methamphetamine.
Upon completion of the statements, Milton and McBride were transported to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail where they were properly booked.
Assistant District Attorney Le’Anne Malnar represented the state; Judge M. Douglas Hughes handed down the sentence.
James Milton was sentenced to 10 years with the department of corrections. His sentence is to be served concurrently, said Perrilloux.
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