Couple Charged After Husband Burned While Making Meth

Raymond Champagne, 34, formerly of 11 A Amory Street,and his wife, Melissa Champagne, 32, same address, were arrested Feb. 13, after a January 911 call for help tipped off police to an alleged meth lab operation.

Raymond Champagne is charged with manufacture of methamphetamine; and two counts of prohibited conduct. Melissa Champagne was charged with two counts of prohibited conduct, both felonies.

On January 15, 2013 police responded to 11 A Amory Street for what was originally reported as an ambulance call for a subject who had suffered burns to his body. A brief investigation took place and it was determined the male victim, identified as Raymond Champagne, had sustained his injuries in an attempt to manufacture methamphetamine using a "one pot" method.

Due to the volatile nature of the components allegedly used by Champagne, the residence was secured by police. Members of the Narcotics Intelligence Division furthered the investigation and along with members of the DEA Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team executed a search warrant on the residence. At the conclusion of the search warrant, officials from the City of Nashua were contacted and the residence was condemned by Code Enforcement.

As a result of the investigation it was determined Raymond Champagne had manufactured methamphetamine in the presence of his wife, Melissa Champagne, and two children under the age of 12. Arrest warrants were sought in connection with this investigation resulting in the above listed charges.

Raymond Champagne was held at the Nashua Police station on $15,000 cash or surety bail pending his arraignment on February 14, 2013. Melissa Champagne was held on $10,000 cash or surety bail pending her arraignment on February 14, 2013.

Manufacture of methamphetamine is punishable up to 30 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $500,000 or both. Prohibited Conduct is punishable up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000 or both, each count.
Citizens are urged to call the Narcotics Hotline at 594-3597 or utilize the Nashua Police Department’s website Nashuapd.com with any information concerning illegal drug activity. If you have any questions please contact Narcotics Intelligence Division Detective Lieutenant David Bailey at 594-3591 or Detective Sergeant Kevin Rourke at 589-1639.