3 Arrested After Meth Labs Found

Three people were arrested early Friday after authorities uncovered methamphetamine labs at businesses in Oxnard and Santa Paula, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Detectives found a narcotics suspect about 1 a.m. inside a maintenance workshop at a Verizon Phone Co. store in the 1600 block of Ventura Boulevard in Oxnard, authorities said.

Katina Williamson, 28, a transient, had allegedly been staying in the workshop with the permission of Verizon employee Walter McKenna, 46, of Ventura.

After notifying Verizon security personnel, sheriff’s detectives searched a second company facility in the 100 block of Ojai Street in Santa Paula, where McKenna also had access to storage areas, authorities said.

At both locations, detectives seized glassware and chemicals used to make speed. Neither lab was active, but authorities believe the labs had been at these locations for several weeks.

McKenna was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine for sale and manufacturing meth. His bail was set at $50,000.

Williamson was being held on an outstanding narcotics warrant in lieu of $10,000 bail. Larry Owens, 38, of Ventura was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of meth when he arrived at the Oxnard lab. His bail was $5,000.