GALLIPOLIS — A Gallipolis pair arrested late last month for allegedly cooking methamphetamine in the presence of children, were recently arraigned in the Common Pleas Court of Gallia County.

Mary C. Marcum, 33, and Aaron Fitzpatrick, 19, were charged last week, and both entered not guilty pleas to a first degree felony charge of the illegal manufacture of drugs, an offense allegedly committed in the vicinity of juveniles at their residence.

Marcum and Fitzpatrick were arrested during the early morning hours of January 31 by deputies with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office at Marcum’s residence located at 1962 Georges Creek Road.

Deputies had responded to the home to investigate a citizen tip concerning the possibility of methamphetamine being produced at the home.

According to the police report, upon their arrival, the deputies noticed several bags of trash on the front, enclosed porch of the residence, as well as the odor of methamphetamine being manufactured.

After being given permission to search the home by Marcum, the deputies discovered three “one-pot” type containers used in the production of methamphetamine in one of the trash bags located on the front porch of the residence, approximately 15-20 feet from where two children, ages 11 and nine years, were sleeping, according to the report.

Also discovered at the home were several items commonly used in the production of the drug, including sulfuric acid, sodium chloride, a lithium battery and pseudoephedrine.

Additionally, deputies also reportedly contacted Gallia County Children’s Services to attend to two children who were present at the home upon their arrival.

Gallia County EMS and the Gallipolis Fire Department also responded on January 31 to standby while the scene was being processed.

Both suspects were later present in the Gallipolis Municipal Court for initial hearings where their bonds were set at $300,000, 10 percent.

The municipal court cases were later bound over to the common pleas court where indictments were handed down against the pair early this month.

During her arraignment last Thursday, Marcum’s bond was reduced to $5,000, 10 percent.

A jury trial in this case has been scheduled for June 10 and a negotiated plea agreement may be filed by June 10.

Bond was later posted for Marcum’s release.

Fitzpatrick’s bond was set at $10,000, 10 percent during his hearing on February 11 before the common pleas court.

A negotiated plea in this case may be filed by April 5. A jury trial has been set for April 24.

Fitzpatrick is currently being held in the Gallia County Jail.