(OCEAN SPRINGS, MS.) November 4 - The condemned sign on the front door of the house on Stennis Avenue in Ocean Springs is up after authorities say there was a bad combination in the house, lots of kids and meth labs.
Thomas Wilson is a retired chemist, but his trained nose never tipped him off.
"I didn't smell anything that indicated what would constitute that particular material," said Wilson.
Nonetheless, in the house right across the street, authorities found meth making chemicals, two inactive labs, and drug paraphernalia.
"It's hard to believe," said Wilson. He's known the family who lives there for more than three decades.
Investigators made the search after receiving information that 45-year-old Mark Sumrall, who just a few months ago was released from prison on a cocaine conviction, was making meth. Authorities say he lived in an apartment attached to the house. His mother ran a daycare out of the home and took care of nine children, one of which was Mark Sumrall's, according to authorities.
"If there was actual vapors from the meth then those kids could have gotten into some of it because the house is, you know, a small house," said Wilson.
Authorities say there is no evidence the children were harmed, but recommended parents have them checked out by their doctors just in case.
Sumrall's parents, 67-year-old Alfred and 64-year-old Brenda, along with a caregiver, 46-year-old Carolyn Agodkin, each faces nine counts of child endangerment. This neighbor can't believe Brenda could be involved.
"Very good lady," said Jerry McGee. "I don't think she did nothing what she done. Come on! Somebody's rolling black ball on her, something."
Sumrall's child is in the custody of the Department of Human Services. Authorities say it does not appear Brenda Sumrall was licensed to run a daycare out of her home.
