MOUNT CARMEL - A borough man charged with multiple felonies for allegedly operating a methamphetamine lab with his live-in girlfriend was arraigned Friday in front of District Judge Hugh A. Jones and is tentatively scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Jones Wednesday.
Jason David Hunsinger, 33, of 244 S. Beech St., was remanded back to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $250,000 cash bail following the three-minute arraignment at 10 a.m.
Hunsinger, who was handcuffed and wearing an orange county prison jumpsuit, listened to Jones explain the charges.
He was charged by Mount Carmel Sgt. Todd Owens and Patrolman Matthew Dillman with felonies of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, operating a methamphetamine lab and risking a catastrophe, three felony counts of criminal conspiracy, three misdemeanor counts of criminal conspiracy, and misdemeanors of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and recklessly endangering another person.
Jones initially set the preliminary hearing for 1 p.m. Sept. 12, but Hunsinger explained he had a hearing the same day in Columbia County Court, Bloomsburg, related to a separate incident. Jones told Hunsinger he'd have to apply for a public defender, who would have to arrange a continuance.
Hunsinger then asked about the bail and charges involving his girlfriend, Kim L. Metcalf, 30, of 244 S. Beech St., and Jones explained she was in county prison in lieu of $200,000 cash bail after waiving to court the same charges as Hunsinger.
"She's the other end of the conspiracy," the judge said to Hunsinger.
Metcalf and Hunsinger were both charged in connection with a raid at their home at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 28 that led to the discovery of a mobile methamphetamine lab, which prompted police to evacuate neighbors, cordon off a square block area around the residence and request a decontamination zone.