By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Jordon

UNION TOWNSHIP - A routine check at closing time behind one Ohio Pike bar yielded much more than a tipsy regular ready to head home after a late-night bender.

Police in this western Clermont County township say they found what they believe to be a mobile methamphetamine laboratory inside a white panel van.

The driver, James M. Jordon, 39, of Mount Washington, faces charges of tampering with evidence, resisting arrest and manufacturing drugs.

Jordon was freed Tuesday from Clermont County Jail on $15,000 cash bond.

Union Township Police Lt. Mark Griffith said Jordon was arrested shortly after 2:30 a.m. Friday behind a bar in the 400 block of Ohio Pike.

A search of the van yielded several items, including boxes containing "commercial glassware" and red phosphorous used in the production of methamphetamine.

In addition, police removed 0.4 grams of white powder, as well as marijuana and two knives, officials said.

Investigators also found items inside the van linking Jordon to the Iron Horsemen motorcycle club, which is known to frequent the area, officials said.

Griffith said Jordon struggled briefly with the arresting officer. The officer was unharmed.

According to the police report, Jordon suffered a cut to his left knee and complained of numbness in his right arm.

If convicted as charged, he could be sentenced to more than 13 years in prison.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com