The three individuals charged for methamphetamine trafficking are pictured above. Randy Dyke, Donald Steele and Anthony Sims were charged by authorities following a raid of a residence east of Lawrence.

Donald M. Steele, Lawrence

Anthony W. Sims, Lawrence

Randy J. Dyke, Lawrence

Three Lawrence men have been charged with methamphetamine trafficking, in connection with a two-day raid at a home east of Lawrence.

Donald Steele and Randy Dyke, both 50, as well as Anthony Sims, 57, are charged with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, federal prosecutors said.

Prosecutors released the information Friday after two days of refusing to comment about a raid, which took place Wednesday and Thursday at Steele’s residence, 1706 N. 1500 Road. The property is also home to All Seasons Tree Service, a business owned by Steele.

Jim Cross, spokesman for U.S. attorney Lanny Welch, said the men appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., where they were informed of the charge. Cross said the federal criminal complaint was sealed by a judge. If convicted, the three suspects face a penalty of between 10 years and life in prison, as well as a $4 million fine.

Lawrence and Topeka police, the Douglas and Shawnee County sheriff’s offices, Kansas Highway Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, participated in the investigation.

Marvin Steele on Friday released a statement regarding his brother’s arrest.

“I am confident that when all the facts are revealed pertaining to Don’s arrest, it will be determined that the allegations are unfounded,” he said. “Our family is confident that it is being handled in the proper manner by law enforcement and it will be resolved through the appropriate legal process for the benefit of all parties.”

He also asked that no one visit the property, which has been the subject of a long-standing controversy involving state and county officials. Dozens of old cars and trucks on the property have led to an ongoing county zoning violation.

During this week’s investigation, county codes officials determined Steele’s home is unsafe for anyone to occupy or live in, prompting them to leave a yellow danger sign at the edge of the property.