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Siblings sentenced for roles in meth lab

A brother and sister linked to a methamphetamine lab in a mobile home in Summit Township were sentenced on Thursday morning. Both will serve at least nine months in prison.

Jessica L. Kidd, 34, was sentenced to nine to 23 ½ months in prison with 108 months of probation after her release, said Butler County Judge William Shaffer. She has credit for 305 days of her sentence already served, and she may be eligible for parole after she serves the minimum sentence.

James C. Kidd, 20, received 11½ to 23 months in prison with 18 months of probation, Shaffer said. He received credit for 310 days already served.

Charges against the brother and sister were filed in July 2015, after an anonymous tip led police to a trailer in the 100 block of Old East Butler Road in Summit Township.

Also charged in the case was Jessica Kidd’s boyfriend, Edward Halagich, 48. He was already sentenced to 18 to 60 months in prison.

Police said they uncovered evidence of a methamphetamine lab at the home where four children, from 9 months to 4 years old, lived.

Investigators allegedly uncovered chemicals used to make methamphetamine, the remnants of a hydrochloric acid gas generator commonly used to make methamphetamine and other contraband, according to court records.

Jessica Kidd pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture drugs, four counts of endangerment and storing chemical waste. James Kidd pleaded guilty to operating a meth lab, conspiracy to operate a meth lab and storing chemical waste.

Halagich’s and Jessica Kidd’s children are in the custody of Butler County Children and Youth Services.

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