Deputies: Gaston Man Operated Meth Lab with Teen at Home

A Gaston man is accused of operating a meth lab in his home while a 13-year-old boy was in the house, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.

Robert Fleet Pendleton, 34, of Village Court in Gaston was arrested Monday and charged with manufacturing meth and unlawful conduct toward a child by a legal custodian, according to the sheriff's department. 

Deputies went to Pendleton's house around 12:25 p.m. Monday after receiving a tip that he was operating a meth lab, according to the sheriff's department. 

They found two mason jars in a closet in a bedroom at the end of the house, according to the sheriff's department. One of the jars contained a white liquid. They also found a plastic funnel near the jars. 

Deputies found the 13-year-old boy watching TV in a bedroom at the front of the house, according to the sheriff's department. He was released into the custody of a relative. 

Officers with the Narcotics Enforcement Team arrived and determined that Pendleton was operating a meth lab, according to the sheriff's department. They safely disposed of the equipment. 

Pendleton was being held Tuesday at the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. 

Metts asked anyone with information about illegal drug activity in Lexington County to call the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at 803-785-8230 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.