Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department deputies found an active methamphetamine lab and, in another case, found enough evidence related to the arson of a home to send the case to the grand jury.

Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier said the drug-related investigation took place on Aug. 13, when narcotics investigators responded to a tip that the person relaying the information suspected methamphetamine was being made at 1601 Goodyear Boulevard.

Investigators went to the home and spoke with 35-year-old Maria Rivers and 28-year-old Julia Tynes. Saucier said consent to search the home was given by the two residents and the officers found an active methamphetamine lab, used precursor chemicals, syringes and some prescription medication for which neither suspect has a prescription.

Saucier said Rivers was charged with possession of paraphernalia and possession of a schedule 4 controlled substance, and Tynes was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, generating hazardous waste and two counts of possession of a schedule 4 controlled substance.

Deputies also investigated a fire at 115 Caroline Street in the Nicholson community that was later determined to be arson, the chief investigator said. Saucier said that on July 26, firefighters with the Nicholson Volunteer Fire Department responded to the home to find heavy smoke and flames coming from it. Quick action by the volunteer firefighters in extinguishing the flames enabled the scene to be preserved, and Pearl River County Fire Marshal Albert Lee was called to investigate, Saucier said.

Lee, with assistance from the state fire Marshal’s office and Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department investigators, was able to determine the cause of the fire was arson, Saucier said.

A suspect, 27-year-old Amber Spiers, was questioned, Saucier said. Evidence was collected during the questioning that will be presented to the grand jury, which will decide if she will be indicted on arson charges, the chief investigator said. “I feel confident that an indictment will be acquired,” Saucier said. He said Spiers was living at that address with her boyfriend, but at press time a motive for the arson is unknown.