By John Hacker

Globe Staff Writer

PINEVILLE, Mo. - A Noel man will be back in court Nov. 17 after being arrested on felony charges related to a methamphetamine lab that officers said they found in his home along with two small children.

John Daryl Coverston, 45, faces five felony charges: two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, one count of possession of a chemical with the intent to create a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to create methamphetamine. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use.

His wife, Karen Lee Henson, 34, has entered a rehabilitation program and will not be charged, said McDonald County Prosecutor Steve Geeding.

Officer Jeff Sutherland of the Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force said the couple's two children, ages 1 and 5, were removed from the home when officers first searched it Oct. 13 and are in the custody of the state Children's Division.

Sutherland said information from investigators in Arkansas led the task force to start looking into activities at Coverston's home at 302 St. Clair St. in Noel.

A sworn statement filed by Sutherland on Oct. 15 reported that officers found metal spoons with meth residue on them, numerous hypodermic syringes, and chemicals and equipment used to make meth.

Geeding said Coverston and Henson had entered a drug-rehabilitation program between the time their home was searched and charges were filed Oct. 21, so the two were allowed to remain free and were issued a summons to appear in court Nov. 15.

"The state juvenile office approached us when we were working on the charges, and told us they had voluntarily entered drug rehab and asked us to issue a summons," Geeding said. "Three days or so later, Coverston voluntarily took himself out of drug rehab, and that's when we issued a summons for his arrest. Henson is still in rehab and will not be arrested unless something happens."

Sutherland said officers located Coverston at his home on Oct. 29, and that he tried to escape out the back door. Sutherland said Coverston apparently saw officers behind his home and retreated into the house, where officers used a Taser to subdue him.

Coverston has pleaded innocent and is in the McDonald County Jail on $25,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court Nov. 17.

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