Jimmy Riddle

Sue Maxwell

James Edwards

Over the past several weeks, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Baxter Springs Police Department and the Southeast Kansas Drug Enforcement Task Force have been investigating suspected drug activity at a Baxter Springs home.

As a result of that investigation, on Monday, July 1, 2013, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a search warrant was executed on the residence located at 1041 Cleveland Street.

Investigators discovered a significant amount of items and chemicals believed to be used in the unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine, along with suspected finished product.  Because of the quantity of evidence, which indicates that methamphetamine was manufactured in the home at least 50 times, the processing and search of the home was suspended last night and resumed early Tuesday morning.

Arrested at the scene was 43 year-old Jimmy L. Riddle, of the home, James Edwards, 31, of Baxter Springs and Susan Maxwell, 45 of Oswego.

Jimmy L. Riddle is being held on allegations of Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Possession of Precursor Chemicals with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

James Michael Edwards is being held on allegations of Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Obstruction of Justice and 11 outstanding warrants for his arrest for Failure to Appear in Baxter Springs Municipal Court.

Susan Maxwell is being held on allegations of Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine and Obstruction of Justice.

All three suspects are currently being held without bond, pending the filing of formal charges, which are anticipated later this week.