SMETHPORT — An Eldred man pleaded guilty Thursday to allegations that he was operating a methamphetamine lab.
James L. Baker II, 22, appeared before President Judge John Pavlock in McKean County Court for a last day to plea conference, in which he entered a guilty plea to charges of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, risking catastrophe and criminal trespassing.
According to District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, between Dec. 1 and Feb. 26, Baker was manufacturing methamphetamine. He was found to have made 99 grams of meth.
Shaffer explained that because of the explosive nature of meth labs, Baker risked a catastrophe if an explosion occurred.
He is also accused of entering 179 E. Main St., Eldred, without permission, she said.
Court documents filed at the time Baker was arrested indicated that Baker was cooking meth in the 179 E. Main St. apartment while there were people living in the downstairs apartment. Police reported finding items in the apartment including instant cold packs, camp fuel, liquid Drano, coffee filters and lye.
Baker allegedly admitted he accidentally started a fire while cooking methamphetamine; he also admitted that he burned himself and left chemical burns in the carpet while making methamphetamine, according to the criminal complaint.
Baker, who is incarcerated in lieu of $50,000 bail, will be sentenced May 31.
