By JAN GRIFFEY/Editor

COLUMBIANA — A 56-year-old Wilsonville man and a 29-year-old Shelby woman have been charged after a one-year-old child suffered critical burns from drain cleaner in what law enforcement officers believe to be exposure to a methamphetamine laboratory.

On March 14, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office responded with rescue personnel to the Columbiana area after a report of a child with chemical burns to the body.

A press release from the Sheriff’s Office reported first responders determined the child was in critical condition. The child was transported to an area hospital by Lifesaver Helicopter.

Investigators with the Drug Task Force and the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigative Division identified two suspects who they allege are responsible for the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The press release reported investigators gathered evidence at several locations that indicate methamphetamine was being manufactured and used in the residence where the incident occurred.

Robert Wayne English, 56, of Wilsonville, has been charged with first-degree assault, chemical endangerment of a child, unlawful possession of manufacturing paraphernalia, unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful manufacturing of controlled substance, first degree.

He is being held on $225,000 bond.

Brandy Michele Shawver, 29, of Shelby, has been charged with  first-degree assault, chemical endangerment of a child, unlawful possession of manufacturing paraphernalia, unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful manufacturing of controlled substance, first degree.

She is being held on $235,000 bond.

The press release reported the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force has been working with Shelby County Department of Human Resources to ensure the child and any other children in the residence remain “safe and out of this type of environment. The child is expected to recover from the injuries.”

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force asks citizens to report illegal activity by phone, 670-0436 or by visiting the website, dtf.shelbyal.com.