Fenton Neighbors Charged With Drug Trafficking

Two Fenton neighbors are facing first-degree drug trafficking charges after they were found in a shed allegedly manufacturing meth.

A detective with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department found Nicholas Harper, 26, and Brandon Gaertner, 20, both of the 100 block of Flint Dr., in Harper's shed on Oct. 4, according to court documents. The two agreed to allow the shed to be searched. 

During the search the detective found a a plastic bottle in which chemicals were "reacting" and creating a strong ammonia smell, the documents state. A bottle of drain opener was found near the porch of the home.

Gaertner was also charged with possession of a chemical with the intent to create meth, court documents state. He was in possession of lithium.

First-degree drug trafficking is a class A felony, which carries a penalty of 10 to 30 years in state prison or life in prison. 

Possession of a chemical with intent to create meth is a class C felony and carries with it a punishment of up to one year in jail or one to 7 years in a state prison and/or up to a $5,000 fine. 

Charges and allegations mentioned in this report do not indicate convictions.