John Mark Vancamp, 313 Main Street, Middlebourne, pleaded guilty in Tyler County Circuit Court on April 28 to a felony charge of operating a clandestine drug laboratory for the purposes of manufacturing methamphetamine.

Vancamp was arrested Feb. 18 at his residence after a report from a confidential source alerted Tyler County sheriffs that a “meth cook” was occurring there. A warrant was issued by Judge David W. Hummel, Jr. authorizing a search. Deputies seized several items and pieces of equipment as well as a white powder substance which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Vancamp admitted to manufacturing the drug three or four times since January 2010.

Vancamp, who has been incarcerated in the North Central Regional Jail since his arrest, appeared with his attorney, Thomas White, on Thursday and waived his right to have the case considered by the grand jury.

Vancamp then pleaded guilty to one felony count. Misdemeanor charges against the defendant were dismissed.

“I did make methamphetamines at my residence at 313 Main Street,” Vancamp admitted to Judge Hummel.

“Was it (the drug) effective?” questioned the judge.

“Yes,” Vancamp replied.

Hummel sentenced Vancamp to 2-10 years in West Virginia State Prison and ordered forfeiture of the real estate property at 313 Main St., Middlebourne. Personal items at the residence were ordered destroyed as well. Vancamp was remanded back into custody immediately following sentencing.

Michael Richard Riggle, who was arrested on a capias warrant issued last month in circuit court, appeared to answer charges of failing to register as a sex offender. Riggle was convicted in December, 2004, of two counts, 3rd degree sexual assault and served approximately five years in a correctional facility.

Riggle’s attorney, John Gainer, was unable to appear in court Thursday. Judge Hummel set bond at $10,000 cash, surety and continued the case until May 26.

Christopher L. Lewis, 21, Sistersville, who was sentenced to one year of home confinement in December 2010, was scheduled to appear before Judge Hummel for revocation. That hearing was also rescheduled for May 26.