Two Manchester Residents Arrested for Conspiring to Manufacture Methamphetamine in Their Residence

CONCORD – Two Manchester residents have been charged for conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing the necessary chemicals and equipment to do so within their home, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Charles Winchell and Catherine Quinn, both 42 years old, were charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of equipment, chemicals, products, and materials to manufacture methamphetamine.  Winchell will make an initial appearance in federal court in Concord today at 2:30 p.m., and Quinn will appear at 3:00 p.m.

According to the charging documents, Quinn and Winchell purchased pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter medication and the primary ingredient used for the manufacturing of methamphetamine, dozens of times over the past few months.  Most recently, Winchell purchased pseudoephedrine yesterday.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant at their residence this morning and found pseudoephedrine and other ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine, such as lighter fluid, drain cleaner, and batteries, which contain lithium strips used to create a chemical reaction. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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