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SOMER TWP., Preble County — The smell of success is not so sweet for Preble County Sheriff's deputies.

After they noticed an odor of chemicals in the area, deputies searched a house at 1248 Northern Road in the southern part of the county.

They found what they had been looking for: chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, said Sheriff Mike Simpson.

The chemicals were found in a garage just feet from the house; drug paraphernalia was located inside the house, along with an infant and another child, Simpson said.

Kenneth Raybourne, 38, was charged with possession of chemicals to manufacture illegal drugs, a third-degree felony. He also may face child endangering charges, Simpson said.

It is not known whether Raybourne is the father of the children or if they reside in the home, Simpson said.

The chemicals were removed by a hazardous waste contractor, Simpson said.

Raybourne is being held in the Preble County Jail, where his bond has not yet been set, according to jail records.

If convicted, he faces a minimum of two years in prison, Simpson said.

This is the first time Raybourne has been arrested on such a charge, Simpson said.

Preble County is fifth in Ohio in reported methamphetamine manufacturing seizures, which typically cost $7,000 to clean up, said Preble Sheriff's Detective K. Dean Miller in a seminar in Eaton.

Methamphetamine — known as meth, speed, go-fast, crank or ice — is an illegal drug that works as a stimulant and can be smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed, Miller said.