Man Charged in Meth Bust Says Popular TV Show Inspired Operation

By Sam Thrift Friday, December 23, 2011

Called the “ring leader” by a Williamsburg James City County prosecutor during a bond hearing Thursday morning, 55-year-old David Evan Black Sr., of Rondane Place in James City County, said a popular TV show inspired him to begin manufacturing methamphetamine.

Black did not mention the show by name, but "Breaking Bad," on AMC, is the critically acclaimed series about a struggling high school chemistry teacher who, faced with a diagnosis of advanced lung cancer, turns to making and selling methamphetamine to secure his young family's future.

The Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force in conjunction with the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office and James City County Police Department executed five search warrants the morning of Dec. 15 for manufacturing and use of methamphetamine. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Georgia Peach," ended with 10 people arrested from York and James City counties.

After a five-month investigation, warrants were executed at three York County residences in the 1200 block of Duncan Drive and the 1200 block of Wilkins Drive and two James City County residences in the 1100 block of Penniman Road and the 100 block of Rondane Place, according to a press release. All of the residences are single-family homes, according to Major Steve Rubino of the James City County Police Department.

Police said evidence recovered from the James City residences included chemicals, over-the-counter medications and other items consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Police said an out-of-service ambulance, which was used as a meth lab, was also seized during a traffic stop in the City of Williamsburg.

Black already received bond on his charge in York County by the time he had his bond hearing, conducted in the WJCC General District courtroom over video from jail. When explaining Black’s financial situation to Judge Colleen Killilea, who was setting the bond, the defense attorney explained Black was unemployed because he has a back injury that limits his abilities.

Killilea responded by saying if Black was fit enough to cook meth, he probably could have handled a job.

Black was granted a $5,000 bond. He is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and two counts of conspiracy to violate the Drug Control Act.

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0 #10 Told you so 2011-12-26 09:39

like it or not CRIME is moving its way into this area...

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+3 #9 Lee 2011-12-26 01:35

Quoting Terence:

Mr. Black may be engaged in activities that are bad for his health, but do we need the government to arrest him for it? We have millions of people sitting in jail for personal drug use - not because they harmed anyone. The costs are too high, in money and freedom. Don't we agree that liberty includes the right to make poor choices?

Regardless of how any of us feel about the USE of mephamphetamine , MANUFACTURING crystal meth is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS- it produces extremely toxic byproducts, causing contamination issues and potentially severe health consequences to anyone exposed. The fumes from producing it can kill. Further, the process can cause fires and explosions. The contamination lingers, potentially harming unwary future renters or owners of property where is was made.

Arguing that anyone should be allowed to make crystal meth in a residential neighborhood with inherently unsafe conditions as an extension of arguing for methamphetamine 's legality is like arguing that sense you're allowed to use gasoline for your car you should be allowed to refine it in your living room. Hopefully you can imagine why this would be a bad idea...

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-1 #8 KEVIN 2011-12-25 17:21

And we worry about the effect tv has on our kids!

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+2 #7 Yorkie 2011-12-25 13:54

for a great source of info on the rise of methamphetamine & it's destructive nature, I'd recommend watching:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/view/

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-4 #6 Terence 2011-12-24 16:58

Becky said,
"The danger is ... to the police, neighbors and others nearby. "

Can you sight examples please? I could not find any.
Of course, if their is injury caused, or damage to another's property, then charges should be filed. But what a person wants to do with their life, that does not effect others, should not be a crime.
Have YOU ingested any substances that, if caught, could have put you in jail? 42% of Americans have tried Marijuana, which means 42% are guilty of a crime. Marijuana is a schedule 1 drug, ranked more dangerous by federal law then methamphetamine , a schedule 2 drug.

Leave people alone (including you and me!)to make their own mistakes. If they harm others, then the law is appropriate.

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-5 #5 SocraticThinker 2011-12-24 15:54

PLEASE, WYDaily, tell us about HOW and WHERE (kinds of businesses) these "meth cookers" amongst us could purchase the right ingredients to do their "cooking?" That's the important question for us law-abiding locals!! WHERE, locally, could they buy those items without being noticed? Are they businesses with pharmacies? Are any records of ingredients needed for meth cooking'checked when purchased suspiciously? THANKS, WYD.

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-32 #4 jp 2011-12-24 11:23

Arrest the gov for taxing us so heavily and they just keep raising taxes, with a bad economy because these crooks in office are just wasting our tax dollars. Set Black free and arrest them criminals!!!!!

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+20 #3 Becky B 2011-12-24 10:58

Since when is engaging in manufacturing meth a "poor choice"? Do you understand what meth does to people and the dangers involved with its manufacture? The danger is not only to the person directly involved, but to the police, neighbors and others nearby. Not to mention that the property is rendered unusable afterward.

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+6 #2 VA Frequent Flyer 2011-12-24 10:13

I was at the intersection of Henry and Layfette when the ambulance stopped. It was NOT an ordinary traffic stop. Three white unmarked cars with blue lights flashing blocked the vehicle. One in front, one on the driver's side and one behind and 3 officers with guns drawn and aimed at the driver!

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-24 #1 Terence 2011-12-24 09:51

Mr. Black may be engaged in activities that are bad for his health, but do we need the government to arrest him for it? We have millions of people sitting in jail for personal drug use - not because they harmed anyone. The costs are too high, in money and freedom. Don't we agree that liberty includes the right to make poor choices?

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