Local man charged in meth lab
 connection

A Newton man is facing four drug-related criminal charges in connection with a meth lab that was discovered after authorities responded to a garage fire.

Following an investigation by the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Drug Task Force, 29-year-old Travis Brody Gulling was charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a class B felony, and three counts of possession of precursors (ethyl ether, ephedrine and lithium) for manufacturing methamphetamine, all class D felonies.

According to a news release issued by the drug task force, authorities responded to a report of a garage fire at 8:16 p.m. on Jan. 2 at 1800 W. Fourth St. N. #3. The fire was extinguished, with minimal damage done to the garage, and drug task force members were called to the scene after items associated with meth manufacturing were found.

Gulling was in the garage at the time of the fire, and he received minor injuries but declined treatment, according to the news release.

He was arrested and transported to the Jasper County Jail, where he is being held on a $100,000 bond. Gulling entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during a court appearance last week, and his trial currently is scheduled for March 3.