Preschool and suspected drug lab are found on the same property
A Santa Barbara property is found to house a preschool, an animal rescue facility, and a drug lab, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
On Dec. 31st, Santa Barbara County Deputies went to a home in the 100 block of Nogal Drive in Santa Barbara. Inside the home, they discovered a drug manufacturing lab, along with a convicted felon, and the owner of the property 52-year-old Charles Romanus, of Santa Barbara.
A gun, chemicals, syringes and other drug paraphernalia was found at the scene, according to police.
During the investigation authorities learned the property housed Harmony Pre-School. The school has been on the property for 11 years and has about 11 students ages two through five. The school is just feet away from where the drugs were being manufactured, according to authorities. No children were inside the school at the time of the raid.
Also on the property and run by Romanus is a non-profit animal rescue facility. Six cats were taken from the property by Santa Barbara Animal Control. No word on their condition.
Romanus’ bail is set at $100,000.
Two others were arrested with Romanus, but it is unclear what their relationship is. Brandon Topete was arrested and booked for narcotics charges and a felony warrant for robbery. Thirty-two-year-old Henry Hewitt was also taken into custody for impersonation and forgery.
If you have a child who has attended the Harmony Preschool and are concerned about possible exposure risks you can call the Sheriff’s Office at 805-681-4100. If you would like to leave an anonymous tip about this case you can call 805-681-4171.
