According to Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin, a South Whitehall Township man has been charged with operating a methamphetamine laboratory out of his home.

Martin says police seized an assault rifle with a loaded magazine, chemicals, packaging materials and other items used to manufacture methamphetamine Jan. 17 when they entered the home.

Steven Brad Kresge, 39, of 4703 Fair Drive, South Whitehall Township, was charged the evening of Jan. 17, after police entered the home, which is close to other occupied residences, and allegedly discovered the active methamphetamine lab.

Kresge is charged with a felony of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, misdemeanors of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and felonies of causing or risking a catastrophe and having liquefied ammonia gas and other chemicals.

In a separate case, he is charged with felonies of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and criminal conspiracy and a misdemeanor of possession of a controlled substance.

Detectives with the Lehigh County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Kresge's home at 11:18 p.m.

They were assisted by South Whitehall Township police and the Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Lab Team.

According to affidavits of probable cause in the two cases: a search warrant was executed at the Fair Drive home following an investigation into the sale, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine.

Police allegedly discovered an active methamphetamine lab and finished product that tested positive for methamphetamine.

They seized an assault rifle with a loaded magazine and various items used to manufacture methamphetamine.

All chemicals and byproducts were secured and taken into custody by the Clandestine Lab Team.

Inside the home, police allegedly found various chemicals that could cause an explosion, fire or release of poisonous gas.

In a separate case, police made arrangements to purchase seven grams of methamphetamine for $1,150.

During the evening of Aug. 16, 2012, Kresge and another man allegedly arrived at 2601 MacArthur Road, Whitehall Township, with 5.8 grams of methamphetamine.