On March 6th, 2018, New York State Troopers from the Bath and North Hornell barracks interrupted two men allegedly actively manufacturing methamphetamine. At approximately 9:00 p.m. Troopers responded to the residence of Mark J. Walton, age 45, in the Town of Jasper, and allegedly observed Walton and another man later identified as James J. Ball, age 22, of Mansfield, Pa., actively engaged in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Both were charged with Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, 3rd degree (class "D" Felony) and arraigned in the town of Hornellsville Court. Both were remanded to the Steuben Co. Jail – Walton’s bail was set at $50,000.00 cash or $100,000.00 property bond, and Ball’s bail was set at $25,000.00 cash or $50,000.00 property bond.
Upon the execution of a search warrant at the Walton residence, which involved Troopers, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (C.C.S.E.R.T.), a large quantity of methamphetamine was seized, as well as precursors, reagents, solvents, catalysts, and lab equipment, all used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Walton and Ball were additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2nd degree (class "A-II" Felony), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, 7th degree (class "A" misdemeanor), and arraigned in the town of Bath Court. Both were again remanded to the Steuben Co. Jail in lieu of additional bail set at $50,000.00 cash or $100,000.00 property bond.
