Jason Anthony Carter Convicted In Connection With Meth Lab Explosion

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On Oct. 31, 2013, Jason Anthony Carter, 35, of Bristol, Tenn., was convicted of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of equipment, chemicals, products, and materials used for manufacturing or attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, and creating a substantial risk of harm to human life while manufacturing or attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, following a two-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Greeneville.

Sentencing is set for 1:30 p.m., on Mar. 3, 2014, in U.S. District Court in Greeneville. Carter faces a possible sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison and up to $1,500,000 in fines.

A federal grand jury indicted Carter, along with Amanda Kiser Steadman, 32, and James Hulon Steadman, 41, both of Bristol Tenn., on these charges in November 2012. According to evidence presented at trial, Carter and the Steadmans planned to manufacture methamphetamine at an apartment building in Bristol in August 2012. They purchased the supplies needed to manufacture methamphetamine at various businesses in Bristol before returning to the apartment to begin cooking methamphetamine utilizing the “one-pot” or “shake and bake” method. Once at the apartment, Carter assisted with the preparation of the materials to manufacture methamphetamine. Evidence further showed that while the methamphetamine was cooking, several explosions occurred, resulting in a fire in the apartment and serious injuries to Amanda Steadman.

Both Amanda Kiser Steadman and James Hulon Steadman were previously convicted and are currently awaiting sentencing.

This investigation was a joint effort of the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Second Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Kerney-Quillen represents the United States.