GALLIPOLIS — Suspects in two recent meth lab busts were recently arraigned in the Common Pleas Court of Gallia County.

In the first of an increasing number of meth labs discovered in Gallia County, three individuals were recently arraigned on charges relating to the illegal manufacture of drugs.

Travis Klein, 23, Cheshire, Lisa J. Klein, 43, Middleport, and Ashley L. Hamilton, 28, Cheshire, were arrested by deputies with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office after a meth lab was discovered at a residence on Story’s Run Road near the Meigs County line on August 15.

Hamilton pleaded not guilty on September 19 to the illegal manufacture of drugs, a first degree felony. Her bond was set at $25,000, own recognizance. Bond was later posted for her release. William Conley has been appointed to represent her and a jury trial has been scheduled for February 4.

Lisa Klein was arraigned last week and pleaded not guilty to first degree felony illegal manufacture of drugs.

Defense attorney Barbara Wallen has been appointed to represent her. A jury trial in this case has also been scheduled for February 4.

Following the hearing, the defendant was later released on her own recognizance.

Travis Klein was also arraigned last week and charged with the illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, a second degree felony.

According to the indictment, on August 15, the defendant was in the possession of one lithium battery, one can of Coleman fuel, one bottle of sodium hydroxide and one bottle of sulfuric acid — materials commonly utilized in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Public defender Charles Knight was appointed to represent the defendant. The defendant’s bond was set at $20,000 own recognizance, with an additional $1,500, 10 percent, secured.

A jury trial has been scheduled for January 31 in this case.

Bond was later posted for Klein’s release.

Also, recently arraigned in the common pleas court on meth-related charges were Ralph R. Kerwood, 28, and Michelle L. Atherton, 40, both of Gallipolis.

Kerwood and Atherton were arrested, along with Semaki G. Corfias, 52, also of Gallipolis, on Saturday, September 8 at a residence located on Springer Road in Addison Township.

Deputies with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence after receiving tips that the residents of the household were manufacturing methamphetamine.

Following a search of the residence, deputies reportedly found an active meth lab, as well as finished meth product.

Atherton was arraigned on September 20 and pleaded not guilty to the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, a second degree felony.

Richard Hedges was appointed as council in this case and a jury trial was scheduled for February 7.

Atherton was also later released on an own recognizance bond.

Kerwood was also charged with the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, a second degree felony, and pleaded not guilty to that charge last week.

His bond was set at $10,000, own recognizance. A jury trial has been scheduled for January 28.

Additionally, Kerwood is facing a charge of attempted burglary in an unrelated case after he allegedly attempted to break into an apartment in Gallipolis on July 23.

His bond was set at $20,000, 10 percent in this case.

Corfias, who is facing a charge of illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in relation to the September 8 meth lab discovery, was also recently charged in connection with the murder of Thomas Marr, 29, who as found dead in his Kanauga-area home on February 22.

Corfias has pleaded not guilty to charge of murder, a special category felony. Barbara Wallen has been appointed to represent him.

The defendant is currently being held in the Gallia County Jail under a $500,000, 10 percent bond.

Corfias is scheduled to appear for a jury trial in relation to both of his cases on December 4 in the common pleas court.