A Carbon County woman admitted her part in the operation of a methamphetamine lab in her home at 102 Springgarden St. in Lansford.

Melissa Dorothy O'Brien, 22, of Lansford, pleaded guilty on Tuesday before Judge Joseph J. Matika to one count each of possession with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.She and her live-in companion, Joseph Michael Navarre, 42, were arrested on Dec. 31, 2015, when Lansford police served a search warrant on their residence.At the time 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.In pleading to the two counts the district attorney's office agreed to drop all the other charges against O'Brien.The investigation began when an infant daughter of the couple ingested meth and was hospitalized. Another child and adults also lived in the residence, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed by police.According to the affidavit filed by Sgt. Jack Soberick, recently promoted to chief, and 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.Navarre pleaded guilty to operating a meth lab and a endangering counts on April 1 and is awaiting sentencing.Matika deferred sentencing and ordered the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report. Plans are to have both defendants sentenced on May 19.