Woman placed on probation for meth charge

Jul 27, 2010 — The Hawk Eye

John Mangalonzo

Jul. 27, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Sandra Jean Hayes, a 47-year-old Burlington woman, was caught giving a man, who authorities describe as a meth cook, pseudoephedrine to make the substance.

According to a complaint filed in court, Hayes reportedly intended to exchange the cold tablets for meth. She, however, told District Court Judge Mary Ann Brown on Monday she does not use the substance and instead was getting money.

Brown acknowledged Hayes' almost non-existent criminal record. Her attorney, James Carter, said she ran afoul with the law with a petty misdemeanor when the woman was a teenager.

The judge granted Carter's request and deferred judgment on Hayes' possession of a precursor offense, meaning a conviction will not be placed on her record granting she abides by her probation for three years.

Des Moines County prosecutor Amy Beavers, citing a plea agreement signed with the woman, did not make any penalty recommendations.

"I think Ms. Hayes will do good on probation," Carter said.

Brown took the opportunity to tell Hayes she hopes "you recognize how awful methamphetamine is," noting that everyone who takes part in it, whether cooking, selling or providing precursors, is part of the problem.

Hayes' arrest stemmed from a series of events which started with a traffic stop in Mount Pleasant in December.

In conjunction with an ongoing investigation surrounding a possible meth-making operation, agents from the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, along with operatives from the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, pulled over a vehicle driven by Jerrid Allen Weaver.

As the probe into the traffic stop progressed, agents said they found what they described as meth-making materials inside the 41-year-old Weaver's vehicle.

Weaver has been charged in Henry County District court with four drug counts, including possession of ethyl ether and possession of lithium. He is set to stand trial on the charges May 11.

As a result of the investigation, state and local agents were able to arrange a meeting in Burlington with Hayes.

Authorities allege the woman was attempting to exchange some pseudoephedrine, a major ingredient in making meth, for methamphetamine from Weaver.

Court papers indicate when Hayes was arrested, agents seized at least 46 pseudoephedrine tablets, at 60 milligrams each, from the woman.

During an interview agents conducted with Hayes, she reportedly said she had bought pseudoephedrine for Weaver in the past in exchange for meth.

Newstex ID: KRTB-1064-47382213