BELFAST — A Belfast man has been sentenced to six years in prison, with all but two years suspended for his role in the operation of a meth lab.

Edward R. Mylen III, 36, was convicted of operating a meth laboratory in Belfast after his March 21 arrest, in addition to unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

Mylen was arrested along with coconspirator Michael Redding, 27, whose home was being used to manufacture the product.

Redding was charged with unlawful operating of a methamphetamine laboratory, in addition to trafficking in methamphetamine. He has not yet been sentenced. 

The two men had been under investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency since December, according to a press release. It was while DEA agents were interviewing Mylen and Redding at Redding’s residence that the meth lab was discovered.

The residence was then secured while a search warrant was obtained. Agents recovered around two grams of meth created by the men, according to a report from the Maine Department of Public Safety.

In addition to serving two years in prison, Mylen must pay a $400 fine and successfully complete four years of probation. He was also sentenced to two years in prison for unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

Following his release Mylen will be prohibited from possessing drugs or alcohol, in addition to being prohibited from any contact with Redding, according to court documents. He will also be required to participate in substance abuse counseling and treatment.

A charge of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs March 21, was dismissed.

Mylen III was previously convicted of unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs in Dec., 2002.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com