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DARRTOWN — Two people are in jail and deputies are looking for another following the discovery of a meth lab Wednesday in Milford Twp.

A joint investigation between the sheriff's offices of

Butler and

Preble counties resulted in the execution of a search warrant about 2 p.m. at 4240 West St. in Darrtown, Butler County Sgt. Todd Langmeyer said.

The detectives found an active methamphetamine cooking operation in a camper

on the premises, but no one was there at the time of the raid.

"It's not like leaving something on a burner," Langmeyer said. "It is mixing of chemicals and waiting for a reaction that can be covered and left."

Emily Lawson, 29, of the West Street address, was arrested and charged with possession of drugs. Lawson's two young sons, both younger than 10, were removed from the residence by Butler County Children Services.

The suspected "cooker" of the meth, Vernon "Michael" Perry, was not present when detectives arrived. An arrest warrant for Perry on charges of manufacture of methamphetamine, assembly of chemicals for the manufacture of meth and possession of drugs has been issued by the sheriff's office, Langmeyer said.

Thursday evening, Perry had not been taken into custody. He is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 220 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.

The Milford Twp. Fire Department and the Butler County Emergency Services Unit was on the scene until 9 p.m. Wednesday tearing down the lab and cleaning up chemicals.

While questioning people during the investigation, detectives learned of an alleged sexual relationship between Nicholas Simpson, 23, a resident of the West Street address, and a 14-year-old girl who frequented the residence. Langmeyer said the relationship had been ongoing for about a year.

Simpson was charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.