Layton man charged for operating an illegal THC cartridge lab out of his home

LAYTON, Utah (ABC4) — A man has been charged with operating an illegal “clandestine laboratory” to produce Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cartridges at his home in Layton.

Daniel Jemmings, 21, has been charged with five felonies. He is facing one count each of clandestine laboratory precursors and equipment, production of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a dangerous weapon by a category II restricted person, and endangerment of a child.

A “clandestine laboratory” is a “secret laboratory used to manufacture controlled substances,” according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.

On March 3, 2025, the Layton City Police Department responded to reports of a fight in progress, according to documents.

“Little did they know what they would end up discovering,” the Deputy Davis County Attorney wrote in the charging documents. Police would obtain a search warrant to investigate what was inside the residence.

While at the home, police discovered roughly 1,425 THC vape cartridges, 3,219 grams of THC extract dab, 31 grams of marijuana, and 29 grams of methamphetamine. They also located a loaded firearm and a “large quantity of cash.”

According to charging documents, “police found hot plates, metal pans on them, beakers, and water evaporation lines. There were several mason jars with drug residue.”

Police said Jemmings claimed to work at a Smith’s warehouse, and was the sole breadwinner despite paying nearly $3,000 a month to rent his home.

A 1-year-old child was living at the residence, and officers found that “the drugs, packaging, and paraphernalia found inside and in different bedrooms was great and accessible by anyone, including children.”

Previous charges showed that Jemmings had been found with marijuana while in Syracuse. He had recently entered a plea in abeyance, and that case was closed in February, shortly before police discovered the laboratory in his home.

Jemmings was arrested at the time, but has since been released with conditions, including a promise to appear in court and not commit any crimes while on release.