SUMMIT TWP — State police vice officers Wednesday afternoon descended on a mobile home after a tipster told authorities methamphetamine was being cooked there.

The tip paid dividends, according to court documents.

Police said they uncovered evidence of a methamphetamine lab at the home in the 100 block of Old East Butler Road where James C. Kidd, 19, lives.

Four children, all under 3 years old, also were in the home when officers searched it.

Along with numerous drug-related offenses, Kidd is charged with exposing the children to the chemicals and the meth-making process.

He was arrested and arraigned on 16 charges, including felonies. He is in the Butler County Prison on $150,000 bail.

Trooper Michael Lewis and other members of the vice unit went to the home about 2:15 p.m., based on the tip. Another tenant there allowed police to search the trailer.

“During a preliminary search of the residence and property,” Lewis said in court papers, “evidence was found that methamphetamine was being manufactured on the property and residence.”

In Kidd’s bedroom, police said, officers turned up suspected methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana.

“Evidence associated with manufacturing methamphetamine also was located in Kidd’s bedroom,” documents said.

Investigators later spoke to Kidd, who confessed to making meth, according to Lewis’ affidavit. The defendant also claimed responsibility for and ownership of the drugs in his bedroom.

Documents did not indicate how many people live at the trailer or the relationship of the four children with the tenants.

The trailer sits on a 5-acre plot owned by another man, according to the Butler County Assessment Office. A double-wide trailer and garage also is on that same property.

Lewis could not be reached for comment Thursday or this morning. Several telephone calls to the defendant’s home also went unanswered.

Kidd is charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, operating a methamphetamine lab, possession of red phosphorous and other chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and improperly storing or disposing of chemical waste, all felonies.

Additionally, he faces misdemeanor charges of illegal possession of ephedrine, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and four counts of child endangerment.