Kershaw County Sheriff's Office narcotics agents arrested James Makham Godfrey, 51, Tuesday on several charges including manufacturing methamphetamine, resisting arrest and possession of cocaine.
/ KCSO
KERSHAW COUNTY, SC (WACH) - A vehicle chase in Kershaw County lead to the discovery of a mobile meth lab and the arrest of one man, who Kershaw County Sheriff's deputies say has an extensive criminal record.
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office narcotics agents arrested James Makham Godfrey, 51, Tuesday on several charges including manufacturing methamphetamine, resisting arrest and possession of cocaine.
According to the department, drug agents received information that Godfrey was operating a mobile meth lab in the back of his Nissan pickup truck and was delivering methamphetamine on a daily basis to a location in Camden. Agents spotted Godfrey driving the truck and attempted to stop him. Godfrey fled, but was forced off the road by one of the KCSO vehicles.
Deputies reportedly observed Godfrey throwing out handfuls of white powder from the truck during the chase. Once stopped, he had to be removed from the vehicle through the window.
Authorities say a mobile meth lab and hazardous waste by products from the manufacture of methamphetamine were found in the truck. Godfrey was placed under arrest and a search warrant was obtained for his residence.
A search of Godfrey's home on Highway 1 near Cassatt revealed additional chemicals, a small amount of suspected cocaine and marijuana. Haz mat units were called to clean the site and seize the chemicals and toxic waste, according to the department.
Deputies say Godfrey's criminal record dates back to 1989. His most recent arrest was in June following a report that he was exposing himself at a business in Cassatt. Deputies tased Godfrey after finding him "partially dressed and belligerent" at the scene. Godfrey pulled the taser prongs out, so a second deputy deployed his taser. Two deputies along with the help of a passing motorist were able to subdue Godfrey and take him into custody.
“Looking at Godfrey’s criminal record and his propensity to abuse and sell drugs in Kershaw County, I am hoping that our judicial system will finally get this man off the street. He sells drugs. He abuses drugs. He fights the police and he is a danger to our community. It is a little frustrating to say the least that law enforcement has to continually deal with this man,” said Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews.
Godfrey was taken to the Kershaw County Detention Center.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH