ASHTON — An Ashton man has been arrested for the second time in a month for allegedly operating a meth lab.
Charles H. Kensler, 40, Ashton, has been charged with operating a meth lab and pseudoephedrine outside of original state. Kensler was arrested by Trooper A.B. Wilson of the Mason County Detachment of the West Virginia State Police, the same trooper who arrested Kensler in January for allegedly operating another meth lab in Ashton.
According to the Mason County Post of the W.Va. State Police, on Feb. 10, Wilson arrived at 168 Kensler Drive in Ashton to investigate information concerning the possible operation of a clandestine lab at Kensler’s residence. Wilson reportedly obtained what the Post called “sufficient evidence” while at Kensler’s residence to secure a search warrant.
When serving the arrant, the Post describes finding an “active clandestine lab” in Kensler’s residence. The Post also reports Kensler was hiding inside the residence at the time the lab was discovered.
Kensler was initially transported to Pleasant Valley Hospital by TFC A.B. Ward for extended exposure to the vapors resulting from an active clandestine lab. After being treated and released, Kensler was then transported to the Western Regional Jail.
In January, Kensler was arrested for allegedly operating a meth lab on Holmes Road in Ashton and was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony against the state, operating a meth lab, possession with intent to deliver, pseudoephedrine outside of original state, fugitive from justice, no proof of insurance, possession of a controlled substance marijuana, speeding, driving suspended, improper registration and expired registration. Back in January he was being held on a $100,000 bond at the Western Regional Jail.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Kensler was once again being housed in the Western Regional Jail and had a $100,000 cash-only bond set though Mason County Magistrate Court.







