Accused Meth Lab Operators Agree to Plea Bargains

Five people accused of operating a meth lab out of a home in the 100 block of Main Street, Hellertown, appeared in Northampton County Court Monday to agree to guilty plea deals that will likely result in state prison sentences for two men, a county prison sentence for the mother of one of the men, and probation for two other women, the Morning Call reported.

According to the newspaper's article, Chad H. Hummer, 30, could be facing as much as four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half years in state prison for his alleged role in the methamphetamine manufacturing operation, while his mother, Joan Anita Hummer, 53, could serve a county prison sentence of one to two years at the most.

The Express-Times reported that Joan Hummer requested at Monday's hearing that a debit card be turned over to a woman now caring for another son, who is 12.

Following her arrest in August, Joan Hummer denied any involvement in the alleged meth lab operation, the newspaper also reported.

Since the Aug. 20 raid by authorities on the Main Street home, there have been several other meth lab busts reported by Saucon Valley authorities.

The most recent occurred Friday on Railroad Lane in Lower Saucon Township, where township police said three people were arrested after a search warrant was served and "precursor chemicals and items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine were found."

Photo: A drug enforcement task force member processes evidence following a police raid on an alleged meth lab in the 100 block of Main Street, Hellertown, in August 2013.