An ongoing investigation by the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team led to charges against Penny Susan Wilson, 58, Jeffery Lee Andel, 47, Patrick Lee Chandler, 53, and Daniel Carl Chandler, 50, all of Ione, for connections to a clandestine methamphetamine lab.

Earlier this month, Wilson was sentenced to four years and four months in state prison on charges that he manufactured the drug and possessed pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture. Andel was convicted of similar counts and sentenced to three years in a state facility. Daniel Chandler, who was to be sentenced this month, died out of custody on July 12 before his hearing date. His brother Patrick received 270 days jail time and an additional five years of supervised probation.

During its investigation, the narcotic task force learned the defendants worked in teams to purchase large quantities of pseudoephedrine, which is found in certain over-the-counter medications available only in pharmacies.

On multiple occasions, the teams purchased almost three times the daily allowable amount from different pharmacies, all located within Amador County, by using various identification. Pseudoephedrine tablets are a common primary ingredient in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, which has resulted in federal law limiting its purchase to no more than 3.6 grams per day.

In April, agents executed a search warrant at two adjoining properties on Jackson Valley Road in a remote area of Ione. The task force discovered numerous glass and plastic containers containing the chemicals to cook meth, including acetone, ammonia, muriatic acid and red phosphorus.

Agents also discovered gas and liquid cylinders and a container of the pseudoephedrine tablets that were already crushed. Also seized at the scene were four firearms, one of which was a loaded shotgun.

A hazardous materials team was called in to assist with the property clean-up.