Teacher Arrested in Meth Sweep

(Johnston County, North Carolina) A 36-year-old second-grade teacher at Polenta Elementary School, Amy Lee Snead (aka Sneed), was arrested at the school this week as part of a two-county roundup of suspects in a methamphetamine production and distribution ring. After her arrest, Johnston County Schools suspended her with pay.

The Johnston and Sampson County Sheriff's Departments conducted the law enforcement sweep, known as Operation Pill Crusher, with 50 people targeted. Investigators reviewed pharmacy logbooks to determine those individuals who purchased greater than the legal limit of pseudoephedrine, a chemical precursor needed to manufacture methamphetamine.

Four other key individuals were also arrested: Kenneth Scott West Jr., 39; Richard Glenn Turnage, 46; Stewart Lavon McLeod, 23; and Christopher Charles Lawhorn, 32. A sixth person was later arrested but the name wasn't reported. Each faces charges of possession of a precursor chemical, possession of a precursor chemical with intent to distribute and misdemeanor exceeding the limit.

Snead was charged with misdemeanor exceeding the limit and possession of a precursor chemical. Snead was booked into the Johnston County jail with bond set at $20,000.