(PONCXHATOULA)---The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports that seven suspects have been arrested, and another remains at-large, in connection with a methamphetamine investigation that began in the Ponchatoula area and eventually ended with arrests in the Tickfaw area, as well.

Tangipahoa Chief Deputy Dennis Pevey reports that 37-year-old Donald Cutrer and 32-year-old Tina Howze Sanders, both of Ponchatoula, were charged with operation, creation, and possession of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory; 28-year-old Curtis Gene Baxter of Ponchatoula was charged with operation, creation, and possession of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and illegal possession of a stolen firearm; 28-year-old Angelina Maria Hasty of Baton Rouge was charged with possession of schedule II controlled dangerous substances; James Jones and Kevin Schexnaydre, no ages or addresses provided, were charged with possession of methamphetamine; and Cathy Moore, no age or address provided, was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and operation, creation, and possession of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory.

Chief Deputy Pevey adds that Troy Jones, no age or address provided, remains at-large and could face charges of manufacturing methamphetamine and operation, creation, and possession of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory.

The initial arrests occurred on Wednesday, June 11, as agents conducted a surveillance of a residence in the Ponchatoula area. Chief Pevey says that agents saw what they believed to be a drug transaction take place allegedly involving James Jones and Schexnaydre. Chief Pevey says that after agents conducted traffic stops on the vehicles, they recovered methamphetamine from both Jones' and Schexnaydre's vehicles.

Officials say that a further investigation led agents to a house between Tickfaw and Independence. Executing a search warrant, Chief Pevey says that agents found Moore, materials thought to be used in making methamphetamine, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, and a shed that contained a methamphetamine lab.

The investigation moved back to Ponchatoula and the next arrests occurred on Tuesday, June 17. Chief Pevey says that agents were conducting surveillance at a residence in the 14000 block of LA 22 near Ponchatoula. Agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with both Hasty and Baxter inside. Chief Pevey says that agents recovered methamphetamine and a .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol from the vehicle.

Returning back to the residence, Chief Pevey says that agents executed a search warrant, locating Cutrer and Sanders as well as a methamphetamine lab and a quantity of crystal methamphetamine.

---