SMETHPORT — An Eldred man will serve a term in state prison on allegations he operated a methamphetamine lab in Eldred.

James L. Baker, 22, will serve three to six years in prison with credit for 94 days of time served. He was sentenced Thursday in McKean County Court before President Judge John Pavlock.

Baker was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and a drug and alcohol evaluation, as well as pay restitution for a lab user fee of $1,571.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer noted the lab user fee includes the cost of clandestine lab work.

In a brief statement Baker made to Pavlock on his behalf, he said, “I realize I messed up and I’m willing to make anything right at this time and start over fresh.”

Public Defender Philip Clabaugh represented Baker.

Baker pleaded guilty May 24 to charges of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, risking catastrophe and criminal trespassing, all felonies.

On the day Baker entered his plea, Shaffer said that between Dec. 1 and Feb. 26, Baker was manufacturing methamphetamine and 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.