Five children removed from Stow home after authorities find meth lab

STOW, Ohio - A mother and father were arrested and five children were taken from a home where police found an active "shake and bake" meth lab on Tuesday.

Police said they received a crucial clue when a 12-year-old boy showed up at school with an odor of chemicals.

The kids, ages 2, 8, 9, 11, and 12, were taken into custody by Summit County Children Services. They have been placed together at an area foster home.

The Summit County Drug Unit said they found an active one-pot meth lab, chemicals, and lab components in the basement while searching the home at 1842 Lillian Rd. They also said they found meth waste and related items in the attached garage.

Jason Little, 37, and Brandi Little, 28, were arrested at the home and charged with illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a minor, illegal assembly of chemicals/components for the manufacturing of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a minor, and endangering children.

Both were booked into the Summit County Jail.

The couple appeared in Stow Municipal Court Wednesday morning. Brandi Little's bond was set at $50,000. Jason Little's bond was set at $500,000. They're due back in court on Feb. 26.

Andy Yanchunas, principal of Lakeview Intermediate School, said a guidance counselor received a tip that a student, a sixth grader, was living in a home where meth was being cooked.

"I was surprised to be honest with you. I was very surprised," Yanchunas said.

Stow Police Chief Louis Dirker said a teacher also informed a D.A.R.E. officer that the boy smelled of chemicals.

Inspector Bill Holland with the Summit County Sheriff's Department said the smell associated with a meth lab can be powerful.

"There's a smell of cat urine or other chemicals. She had some suspicions and did the right thing by contacting the police department," Holland said.

Barbara Ryan, who lives next door to the suspected meth home, said she had no idea that something illegal could happening and was bothered as the children were taken away by.

"Terrible. It was heartbreaking. They have a 2 and a half or 3-year-old and it was sad because they came and put them in a van," Ryan said.