Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2008

Pair facing gun, meth charges

A Tuolumne County husband and wife are back in jail after authorities say a handgun and materials to manufacture methamphetamine were found at their home.

Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department detectives and Sonora police officers went to the 500 block of South Stewart Street on June 15 to speak with Jonathan William Starr, 33, and Gabrielle Erin Rasor Starr, 31.

Officers arrested the couple on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and other drug- related charges, according to Lt. Dan Bressler of the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department.

The Starrs were released from jail Wednesday on their own recognizance.

On Friday, detectives returned to the home after receiving new information about the residence, Bressler said.

They searched the home and found red phosphorous and iodine crystals, he said. The chemicals are used to make methamphetamine. Detectives also found a .40-caliber handgun hidden inside the residence, he said.

The Starrs were arrested again and are being held at Tuolumne County Jail, Bressler said, on suspicion of possessing chemicals with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing a firearm with the intent to commit a felony. Their bails are $75,000 each.

Bee staff writer Emilie Raguso can be reached at eraguso@modbee.com or 578-2235.