ORANGE PARK, Fla. — An investigation into a reported theft led police to a meth lab overnight in Orange Park.
The Orange Park Police Department made contact with Joseph McKee, 35, during a theft investigation. Police found methamphetamine in his possession and learned he was staying at the Rodeway Inn on Park Avenue.
Police went to the room, found John Hurst, 33, and found an active meth lab inside the room, Orange Park police said. About four rooms were temporarily evacuated due to the investigation.
Police said McKee was allegedly stealing equipment from a maintenance golf cart at an apartment complex across the street. He is charged with drug possession and theft.
Police said Hurst will likely be the only suspect charged in connection with the meth lab because he was there at the time.
It is not known how long the two were staying at the Rodeway Inn. Action News Jax has previously reported
that the owner of the Rodeway Inn has been fighting with the city to stay open, despite about two police calls per day for various reports from shootings to prostitution.
Police said they have been called to the hotel 654 times since January 2015.
The Town of Orange Park filed a petition for enforcement in January, asking a Clay County judge to allow the closure of the motel.
“There has been meth labs, there's been pounds of weed seized out of here, prostitution,” said Shianne Hudson of Orange Park. “This place needs to be shut down.”
The Town of Orange Park's Nuisance Abatement Board is trying to do just that.
“We are not interested in making a statement right now,” said Rodeway Inn representatives.
“Everywhere else it's so expensive,” said patron Angela Compo. “They have affordable prices, families living here and stuff. I hate to see it be shut down. I just wish they could clean it up because this is a lot of people's home.”
A Clay County judge is reviewing the case, but a hearing date still hasn't been set.
The investigation is ongoing.
Related Court Documents:
- Petition for Enforcement
- Nuisance Abatement Board supplemental order abating the public nuisance
- Nuisance Abatement Board second supplemental order abating the public nuisance
- Nuisance Abatement Board findings of fact, conclusions of law and supplemental order abating the public nuisance
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