WOODBURY MAN CHARGED IN METH BLAST

Explosion Destroyed Apartments

WOODBURY - Multiple charges were filed Wednesday against a man accused of
manufacturing methamphetamine in his apartment Saturday which ignited and
destroyed 15 family residences, authorities said.

Robert Wayne Barrett, 15 Maples Apartments, East Main Street, was charged
with manufacturing methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for keeping or
selling a controlled substance, reckless endangerment and possession of
drug paraphernalia.

Items used specifically to manufacture methamphetamine were found in and
near Barrett's apartment, where the fire started, Tennessee Bureau of
Investigation Agent Jason Wilkerson reported.

Barrett allegedly manufactured methamphetamine without regard to the safety
of his child and other renters, resulting in the reckless endangerment
charge, the agent's affidavit stated.

His wife, Melissa Carol Barrett, was admitted to Vanderbilt University
Medical Center in Nashville after suffering burns. Their daughter was
treated for burns on her feet.

Hospital spokesman John Howser said Mrs. Barrett was listed in stable
condition in the burn unit Thursday afternoon.

Woodbury Police Chief Bill Avera said once Wilkerson obtained the arrest
warrants, the warrants were faxed to Vanderbilt officers who apprehended
Barrett while visiting his wife at the medical center. A Woodbury police
officer transported Barrett to the Cannon County Jail.

Wilkerson's affidavit stated TBI and the Department of Commerce's Bomb and
Arson unit investigated the cause and origin of the blaze.

"Agents were able to recover from the debris in and around apartment number
15 several items that were in combinations and quantities that are specific
to the production and manufacture of methamphetamines and nothing else,"
Wilkerson stated.

Barrett allegedly engaged in conduct which placed the Maples Apartments'
residents in immediate danger of death or serious injury, the TBI agent
reported.

TBI agents questioned Barrett and his wife.

"Agents found inconsistencies in their statements insofar as their
activities immediately before and during the start of the fire," Wilkerson
reported.

Sheriff's administrator Wayne LeFevers said Robert Barrett remains in jail.
General Sessions Court Judge Susan Melton set bond at $200,000.

A hearing is scheduled Tuesday in General Sessions Court.