Cops: Meth Cooks Caught Thanks to Crime Stoppers Tip

Two Tampa residents face a host of charges after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies were led to their door courtesy of a Crime Stoppers tip.

According to the sheriff’s office, a tip came in recently about a possible methamphetamine cooking operation at 10400 Davis Road, No. 42.

When deputies responded to that address Thursday, they watched as the two suspects left their home and got into their car. A traffic stop was conducted and two adults were brought into custody on outstanding warrants, an email to media from the sheriff’s office stated.

A search of the vehicle was also conducted and deputies uncovered a mobile meth lab inside the trunk.

See Also:

• 38 Pounds of Pot Seized from Carrollwood Area Grow House
• Cops: $186,000 of Pot Found Inside Grow House
• Grow House Busted After Crime Stoppers Tip

Two children, a 1-month-old boy, and an 8-year-old girl were also with the couple. Both children were turned over to an appropriate caregiver, the email stated. The adults, however, were brought into custody.

Those arrested were:

Richard McElveen, 46, of 10400 Davis Road, No. 42
Charges: Manufacture of Controlled Substance, Trafficking in Amphetamine,
Child Neglect (2 Counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Petit Theft
(VOP).

Stephanie Peters, 30, of 10400 Davis Road, No. 42
Charges: Manufacture of Controlled Substance, Trafficking in Amphetamine,
Child Neglect (2 Counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Grand Theft
(VOP)

McElveen, the sheriff’s office email stated, is a career offender. He has been convicted on felony counts 26 times and has been incarcerated four times. His most recent release from prison was in October 2013.

This is the fourth bust in recent weeks courtesy of Crime Stoppers tips.

Photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

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