Nazareth Man Burned in Methamphetamine Lab Explosion Faces Drug Charges

A Nazareth man who was severely burned in what police say was a methamphetamine lab explosion in October on the borough's Main Street was arraigned today on several charges, including operation of the lab.

According to police, the explosion, caused by the mixing of dangerous chemicals for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine, occurred in the 121 S. Main Street apartment of Clay Rutt, 54, on October 23.

Upon entering the apartment, records say, Nazareth Borough police officers noticed empty packages of Sudafed in a garbage can.

According to witnesses, a burned plastic bottle with a white residue was thrown from the apartment window, records say.  Several lithium batteries that had been cut in half were also found with the bottle, records say.

These materials, in addition to other chemicals used in manufacturing methamphetamine, can become volatile and explode, records say.

Appearing before District Judge John Capobianco of Nazareth, Rutt was charged with possession of methamphetamine-making chemicals; causing or risking a catastrophe; manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance; operation of a methamphetamine laboratory; illegal dumping of methamphetamine waste; possession of drug paraphernalia; and recklessly endangering another person. 

Rutt was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.