Last Wednesday, March 15, Bienville Parish Sheriff deputies made four arrests while investigating an aggravated burglary case on Madden Mill Creek Road just east of Jamestown. 

According to Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance, deputies were searching for a gun that had been stolen in a residence burglary earlier this month. Upon arriving at the residence to be searched deputies made contact with four individuals who were inside the residence, Michael Tucker Cottingham of Ringgold, Jack Daniel Layfield of Benton, Janie Marie Buck who gave an address of 230 Madden Mill Creek Road in Jamestown and Amber Lynn Young of Coushatta.

Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance said, “The four residents were ordered outside of the residence while deputies conducted a protective sweep for anyone else that may be hiding there. Deputies immediately observed paraphernalia commonly used to smoke methamphetamine or other drugs.”

Upon completion of the protective sweep, the deputies retreated while a search warrant was obtained for controlled dangerous substances. After obtaining the search warrant, deputies began the search and shortly thereafter reportedly located several items that were indicative of a clandestine lab for the manufacture of methamphetamine. 

For the safety of all, the premises were vacated until the Bienville Fire Districts 4 and 5 personnel arrived on the scene with hazardous material personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of the search team. All suspected items utilized in the manufacture of methamphetamine were removed from the residence and properly secured. Allegedly an undetermined amount of methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia were also seized from the property. 

Cottingham, Buck, Layfield and Young were arrested at the scene and charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of less than 14 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cottingham was also charged with illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and introduction of contraband into a penal facility. 

Bond was set at $120,000 for Layfield, Buck and Young. Cottingham’s bond was set at $135,000. 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.