State v. Hepton

— Evidence discovered in and around a garbage can next to an abandoned house was used to obtain a warrant to search the house next door for evidence of methamphetamine manufacture. Subsequently, Craig Hepton was charged with one count of manufacturing a controlled substance while minors were present, one count of first degree reckless burning, and five counts of second degree criminal mistreatment.

A jury found Mr. Hepton guilty of the manufacturing and reckless burning charges. On appeal, he contends all evidence obtained after the warrantless search of the garbage can area should have been…