WATERLOO - A Waterloo firefighter has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with methamphetamine lab items found in his house in January.

Jeffrey Scott Cutsforth, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth, possession of lithium and possession of pseudoephedrine Monday afternoon in Black Hawk County District Court.

Cutsforth, who is a lieutenant with Waterloo Fire Rescue, didn't comment when given a chance in court. He answered a series of yes and no questions in a barely audible voice during the proceedings and told the judge he was on medication for anxiety.

Prosecutor Brad Walz said officers with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force found items to make meth inside his home during two searches in January.

Defense attorney Ray Walton said Cutsforth had been suffering from depression, and "fell into using meth" and fell in with the wrong people. He said his client has completed treatment for drug abuse.

"He regrets this. This is a very hard thing for him to do," Walton said. "This is a bitter pill for him to swallow."

He noted that Cutsforth has no prior criminal record.

Under the plea agreement, Judge Bruce Zager sentenced Cutsforth to up to 25 years in prison for the conspiracy charge. He also sentenced him to five years terms for the other charges, but they will run concurrent to the 25-year sentence.

He had been out on bond but was ordered to be taken into custody following the hearing. His attorney walked him to the jail.

Cutsforth could be out of prison in about 5 1/2 years. The conspiracy charge carries a mandatory one-third minimum before parole can be considered. Because he pleaded guilty instead of going to trial, the minimum can be reduced by up to one third.

He can also shave time from his sentence for good behavior and other considerations.

Cutsforth, who was with Waterloo Fire Rescue for 25 years, was placed on leave from his job following his arrest. His current employment status wasn't clear.