LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A Kelseyville man arrested last month in connection to a cannabis oil lab pleaded guilty to hazardous waste-related charges this week.

On Tuesday, John Joseph Darnell, 27, pleaded guilty to manufacturing a controlled substance and unlawful treatment or storage of hazardous waste, both felonies, according to District Attorney Don Anderson.

Darnell was arrested on April 25, along with Paige Polley of Kelseyville and Charles Knipp of Chico during a sheriff's office search warrant service at a Kelseyville residence, as Lake County News has reported ( http://bit.ly/1iwZDm8 ).

The three were alleged to have been manufacturing cannabis oil, more commonly known as honey oil, from a processing station inside the residence, officials reported.

Honey oil is a thick sticky substance derived from cooking marijuana using cylinders, filters and butane, Anderson said.

This kind of honey oil processing operation is very dangerous and has caused numerous fires and explosions, Anderson said. Frequently, people including children, are injured or have died due to the process of manufacturing honey oil.

Anderson said the defendants had processed 1 pound and 5 ounces of the honey oil with a street value of $29,700. The defendants also had in their possession 216 marijuana plants.

Darnell's case is being handled according to the District Attorney’s Office policy of strict enforcement of environmental crimes related to marijuana and drug crimes, Anderson said.

Anderson said his office is making every effort to prosecute environmental crimes, especially related to marijuana grows and illegal drug manufacturing, with the resources available. He said Darnell's case is being handled accordingly.

Darnell's sentencing is scheduled for June 2. Anderson said the maximum sentencing for these crimes is eight years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000.