HARRISVILLE — On Tuesday, Kim LaFave of Black River was sentenced to six to 20 years in prison after he pled guilty to charges of maintaining and involvement in methamphetamine manufacturing stemming from an arrest during a traffic stop on March 8.

According to a police report, the Huron Undercover Narcotics Team (HUNT) was tipped off to a potential meth lab through the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), which electronically tracks sales of over-the-counter cold and allergy medications that contain pseudoephedrine, which can be used in meth-making.

LaFave and his acquaintance, Kathryn Gregart, were tracked making multiple pseudoephedrine purchases in Alpena, Iosco, and Alcona counties, the report said. The tracking through NPLEx attracted the attention of HUNT detectives. On March 8, the couple was pulled over in Alpena.

LaFave had an outstanding child support warrant in Alpena County, which led to his initial arrest.

At the time, Gregart allowed troopers to search the car, where additional supplies that could be used in the manufacturing of meth were found, including drain cleaner and lithium batteries. They also found a white, powdery substance that was later identified as methamphetamine. Gregart was then arrested.

Police said Gregart waived her right to an attorney and admitted to cooking meth in her home in Harrisville with her child present at times.

LaFave also reported playing with the child in the living room while Gregart cooked meth in the kitchen.

Gregart’s admission led to the issuance of a search warrant, which was executed on March 9 in her Harrisville home.

After the home was searched, both LaFave and Gregart were charged on multiple counts, but charges were eventually brought to two charges each, involving just the methamphetamine manufacturing.

Gregart was charged with operating and maintaining a lab involving methamphetamine and operating and maintaining a lab in the presence of a minor. She also pled guilty to both charges and was sentenced on Aug. 14 to serve five to 20 years in prison.

Kaitlin Ryan can be reached at kryan@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 989-358-5693.