by Leah Justice
leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman this week in connection with a red phosphorous “Red P” methamphetamine lab discovered on Hidden Hill Road as well as additional charges on Timothy Lee Bryson, who was originally charged.

Jenna Jordan Hill, 31, of 241 Hidden Hill Rd., Tryon was charged with felony manufacturing methamphetamine, felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for a controlled substance, felony possession/distribute methamphetamine precursor, felony manufacture/sell/deliver/possess a controlled substance within 1,000 ft. of a school, two counts of felony conspiracy and felony possession of methamphetamine, according to sheriff reports.

Bryson, 37, also of 241 Hidden Hill Rd., Tryon, was originally charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession/distribute methamphetamine precursor, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for a controlled substance and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for a controlled substance within 1,000 ft. of a school, according to sheriff reports. This week Bryson was additionally charged with felony possession of schedule II controlled substance and two counts of felony conspiracy to manufacture/sell/deliver/possess a controlled substance within 1,000 ft. of a school, according to sheriff reports.

 

On Thursday, Oct. 23, the sheriff’s office discovered the meth lab, which is only the fifth “Red P” lab found in the state so far this year and the first of its kind discovered in Polk County in several years. “Red P” labs take more time and are different from the more common “shake and bake” method. “Red P” labs contain phosphine gas, which is highly hazardous and can cause respiratory problems and death, according to sheriff officers. Bryson, Hill and a 10-year old boy were living in the home.

The investigation began after concerns from residents were made to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which worked with the Tryon Police Department to make the discovery. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) assisted with its clandestine lab unit and lab chemist.

Bryson was originally given a $146,000 bond, which was changed to no bond this week.

Hill was given a $272,000 bond. Both had their first court appearances on Wednesday, Oct. 29.