A Lansford couple who were charged with operating a meth lab after their infant was hospitalized for ingesting the drug, waived their preliminary hearings that were scheduled Wednesday.

Joseph M. Navarre, 43, and Melissa Dorothy O'Brien, 22, both of 102 Springgarden St., Lansford, are both charged with operating a methamphetamine lab, unlawful manufacture of meth in a structure with children under age 18 present, liquified ammonia gas and chemicals, endangering welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, and two counts each of aggravated assault.The hearings were scheduled before District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek in Lansford.Both were returned to the Carbon County Correctional Facility, where they remain incarcerated in lieu of $100,000 cash bail each.The charges were forwarded to Carbon County Court for possible trial. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Feb. 15 in the office of District Attorney Jean Engler.After the hearing, Navarre talkedabout two appearances he and O'Brien had made on "The Maury Povich Show." He said the shows centered on proof of paternity.He also said his daughter who reportedly ingested the meth is living in a foster home.Another child and adults also lived in the residence, according to the affidavit.O'Brien hid her face behind court papers as she was led from Kosciolek's office by LansfordPolice Sgt. Jack Soberick.Soberick is the arresting officer in the case, which stems from incidents which happened between Dec. 31 and Jan. 5.According to the affidavit filed by Soberick, officers James Bonner indicated to him on Dec. 31 that there was the possibility of a meth lab at the residence of Navarre and O'Brien.OnJan. 5, Soberick said he received a report indicating that a 7-month-old child was admitted to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, "after reportedly ingesting a Tide laundry detergent pod." He said in the affidavit that further testing revealed the baby "ate or ingested methamphetamine."As a result, the child was turned over to the care of Carbon County Children and Youth Services.Soberickobtained a search warrant for the residence.The affidavit says, "Upon making entry to this residence, discovered on the second floor rear bedroom, which was the room occupied and shared by the listed co-defendant, were several plastic bottles with vinyl tubing attached.These bottles were recognized from my training and experience as an item known as a 'gas generator'; and are a component of the production of methamphetamine."Numerous other items relevant to the manufacture of methamphetamine was also found in the house, Soberick said.Representing the district attorney's office on Wednesday was Assistant District Attorney Brian Gazo.