Opinion ID: 2829923
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Initial Investigation of Collins and Wilburn

Text: On September 22, 2010, following an unrelated search, police officers found what they believed to be a methamphetamine laboratory in the woods near the residential compound where Wilburn and Collins lived. A hazmat technician was summoned and confirmed that the items found by the officers were used to manufacture methamphetamine. One of the officers, Detective Kelly Farris, subsequently searched Wilburn’s trailer and discovered additional items typically associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Additionally, a tank of Nos. 12-6263/6512/6617 United States v. Collins, et al. Page 4 anhydrous ammonia, which is used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, was found buried in a creek bed near Wilburn’s trailer. On February 17, 2011, Detective Farris and Special Agent Robert O’Neil conducted a home visit at Wilburn’s trailer and found a one-step methamphetamine laboratory in the bathroom. They also found other materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamine both inside the trailer and outside the trailer, and observed that there were surveillance cameras set up on Wilburn’s residence pointing to the driveway and towards Collins’ trailer. No methamphetamine was found at the residence. Although the conspiracy for which Defendants were indicted allegedly began in January 2009 and continued until April 2011, Collins and Wilburn were incarcerated on unrelated charges until January 2010 and June 2010, respectively. The government does not contend that these defendants participated in the conspiracy while incarcerated.