A Lansford man admitted in Carbon County court to operating a methamphetamine lab in his home and endangering the welfare of a child when his infant daughter ingested meth and was hospitalized.

Joseph Michael Navarre, 43, now listing an address in Coaldale, was arrested by Lansford police after a search warrant was served on his then residence at 102 Springgarden St.His live-in companion, Melissa Dorothy O'Brien, 22, is also charged in the incident.Both were 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.All the other charges were dropped in a plea bargain with the district attorney's office.Another child and adults also lived in the residence, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed by police.Arresting officer is Sgt. Jack Soberick, and the case stems from incidents which happened between Dec. 31 and Jan. 5.According to the affidavit filed by Soberick, officer 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.On Jan. 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.Soberick obtained 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 related to the manufacture of methamphetamine was also found in the house, Soberick said.Judge Joseph J. Matika accepted the plea but deferred sentencing, ordering the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report. Sentencing should occur in about 30 to 45 days. O'Brien's case is pending.