Man sentenced for “Breaking Bad” style meth RV
Fred A. Burlingame, the self-styled ‘Walter White’ of Bay County, has been sentenced to spend 15 years in a federal prison for manufacturing and selling “meth-on-the-move” from his RV.
He was arrested back in December, when police were investigating a claim of a stolen truck. Courtesy of a tip, the investigation led them to Burlingame. Police entered the apartment, belonging to his girlfriend, and discovered him in the act of drying methamphetamine in a microwave. Also discovered in Burlingame’s apartment was a book bag containing numerous meth lab components. Law enforcement says that he was arrested without a fight.
According to police records, Burlingame’s RV was in the parking lot of the apartment where he was arrested. Inside the RV police discovered components of a meth lab, along with a 20 gauge shotgun, some ammunition and two pipe bombs. Witness testimony was that Burlingame, his girlfriend, and sometimes the girlfriend’s underaged daughter would sometimes live and travel around in the RV.
Court records show that between July 20, 2010, and Sept. 13, 2014, Burlingame purchased the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine hydrochloride on 33 separate occasions. This is a key ingredient in the making of methamphetamine. Such purchases are closely tracked by the state.
Apparently, in addition to the gun, bombs and methamphetamine issues that Burlingame is facing with regard to the RV, the vehicle itself is a source of trouble. The Tiffin Allegro hadn’t been licensed since 2005. It was also uninsured and had improper license plates. Additionally, Burlingame wasn’t authorized to drive it, as he had a suspended license.
In June, Burlingame pled guilty to single counts of manufacture and attempted manufacture of methamphetamine. As per the agreement, the prosecution dropped a single count of unlawful transport of firearms, and another of possession of unregistered firearms.
Burlingame was sentenced to 15 years behind bars, with three years of supervision after his release from federal prison. The Judge also ordered him to pay $100 in court fees and fines.