Three Arrested on Meth Charges in Watson

Three people are in custody on methamphetamine-related charges after their arrests on Wednesday.

36-year-old James A. Erickson and his wife, 33-year-old Dawn M. Erickson were arrested, along with 22-year-old Michael J.R. Snyder of Effingham. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said a search warrant was executed at the Erickson residence at 403 W. Main Street in Watson shortly after 9am Wednesday. Illinois State Police, Southeast Illinois Drug Task Force, and Effingham County Sheriff's Department were involved in the execution of the warrant. Officers located more than 4,000 grams of methamphetamine liquid. Kibler said most of the meth was located in a detached garage. 

Police also found surveillance equipment, as well as firearms. Kibler said the guns were located both in the house and in a vehicle. Snyder and James Erickson were each charged today with two counts of aggravated participation in methamphetamine manufacturing, while Dawn Erickson was charged with possession of methamphetamine precursor. The charges facing the two men are Class X felonies, meaning mandatory prison time if they're found guilty. The count facing Dawn Erickson is a Class 2 felony, punishable by up to three to seven years in prison, but probation would be an option.

During initial court appearances Thursday afternoon, bond for Snyder and James Erickson was set at $250,000, while bond for Dawn Erickson was set at $50,000. The next court appearance for the three is set for May 25.