Following their arrest Monday morning, two Galesburg residents and a Dahinda man appeared in court today on Class X drug charges for their involvement in a meth cook.
Judge Thomas Ewing read charges against 48-year-old Kimberly Howerton; her ex-husband, 41-year-old Danny Howerton; and 40-year-old Joseph Bayless.
The three are represented by public defenders Dan O’Brien, Dave Hansen and Gavin Robinson, respectively.
Each defendant faces a count of unlawful participation in the production of 100 to 400 grams of meth as well as lesser meth charges.
The drug production charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.
Charges stem from complaints received in the early morning hours Monday of a strong chemical smell coming from the Grove Street home of the Howertons.
Investigation led to the discovery of a meth lab in the home.
All three suspects are scheduled for Dec. 21 preliminary hearings.
The trio remain in the Knox County jail; Kimberly Howerton on $25,000 bond, Danny Howerton on $250,000, and Bayless on $100,000.
