January 10, 2008

AIKEN, S.C.---The Aiken County Sheriff's Office has arrested
a North Augusta family on drug charges and the theft of copper tubing
from a former textile mill in Graniteville, South Carolina.

Oliver W. Harden Jr., 41, 256 Chestnut Avenue, North Augusta, South
Carolina, is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Burglary -
Second Degree (two counts) and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Donna Harden, 38, 256 Chestnut Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina, is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Burglary - Second Degree(two counts) and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Justin C. Harden, 17, 256 Chestnut Avenue, North Augusta, South
Carolina, is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Burglary -
Second Degree (two counts) and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Jessica Harden, 21, 256 Chestnut Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina, is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.

Michael D. Canipe, 46, Chestnut Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina,
is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Burglary - Second Degree (two counts) and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Acting on a tip, ACSO investigators searched the family's
home Thursday afternoon and discovered various equipment and
chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine in a building behind the home. Investigators found an amount of the drug, as well.

A 10-month-old baby was taken into emergency protective custody by the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

"This is a classic example of people committing property crimes in order
to feed their drug habits," says Sheriff Michael Hunt.

Shortly before 5:00 a.m., deputies arrested Oliver Harden, Donna Harden, Justin Harden and Michael Canipe after they spotted them running from former Avondale Mills - Gregg Division, 165 Marshall Street, in Graniteville. Deputies recovered several rolls of copper tubing.

ACSO learned from its investigation the family removed the copper tubing on Wednesday and returned to the plant early Thursday to retrieve it.

The subjects are being held at the Aiken County Detention Center.