A 56-year-old Hutchinson man was bound over for trial after Reno County Drug Unit Detectives Monday testified over finding a working meth lab in his home, 219 feet away from Faris School.

Robert Tharp of 817 North Maple St., Apt A is also charged with manufacture of methamphetamine or in the alternative, attempted manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell within a thousand feet of a school, possession of psuedo-ephedrine and anhydrous ammonia both with intent to manufacture, possession of anhydrous ammonia in an unapproved container, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture meth and no tax stamp.

The Reno County Drug Enforcement Unit served a search warrant on his apartment back on May 23, 2012, where they allege they found the alleged active meth lab. They say there was a plastic bottle that contained a pinkish grunge that also tested positive for ammonia. There were also allegedly several containers that also contained clear liquids.

Officers say on Tharps person were 9-individual baggies of a white powder suspected of being meth. In the bathroom, were four new blister packs of Psuedo-ephedrine. Tharp allegedly admitted to officers that he was in the middle of making meth and had the meth on his person.

Both Drug Detectives, Jeremy Hedges and T.J. Perez testified to their findings and showed that Tharp was in the process of making meth when they began the search.

After he was bound over, Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton asked the judge to explain to the defendant that because he was convicted in 2000 for the manufacture of meth, if convicted in this case, he could be looking at double that aggravated sentence. That could total 316-months which would be over 26-years. Apparently, the state made a plea offer that so far has been refused by the defendant. Tharp indicated he wanted time to think it over. But, the judge warned him, the state could pull the offer anytime.

If the plea is rejected, he would be arraigned on the charges on March 4.