POTTSVILLE, Pa. The Schuylkill County Courthouse in Pottsville is where both Bill Burke from Port Carbon and Mike O'Pake from Mahanoy City have spent long . According to county District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon, felony arrest warrants were executed starting at 6 a..m. and lasted several hours in the south central section of the county. Schuylkill drug sweep centers on Tamaqua, - mcall.com The following people were charged with the felonies possession with intent to . Bertasavage faces 50 charges, including multiple counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; conspiracymanufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; criminal use of a communication facility; possession of drug paraphernalia; conspiracy possession of drug paraphernalia; intentional possession of a controlled substance by person not registered and conspiracyintentional possession of a controlled substance by person not registered. More dry than wet overall, but still cool and unsettled. Fourteen people were taken into custody during the day, all on drug . Police reported seizing about 11 grams of methamphetamine during a portion of Wednesday'sbust, Yarmush said. "We are dedicated to our mission of enforcing drug laws. Michael Francis Brown - locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bail. Drugs involved in the investigation were methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, morphine and prescription drugs. (Frank Andruscavage/RepublicanHerald 11-22-16). In all, warrants were issued for 28 people with an additional two people charged by summons from a local district magistrate. The Tamaqua Police Department worked with the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force to conduct a drug sweep operation Monday morning. 9 arrested in drug sweep | News | republicanherald.com You have permission to edit this article. . Large drug sweep conducted in Schuylkill County's west end. Low around 40F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Robert T. O'Brien II, 47, of Tower City: possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance-marijuana. 15 men and women all in handcuffs brought to court in groups and individually. 2 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: methamphetamine and bath salts, 1 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: marijuana, 3 felony counts - 3 possession with intent to deliver, 1 misdemeanor - 3 possession of controlled substance and 1 paraphernalia: methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, 3 felony counts - 2 possession with intent to delver, 1 delivery of a controlled substance, Shannon Fredericks, 35, W. Spruce St., Tamaqua, 6 felony counts - 2 possession with intent to deliver, 2 delivery of a controlled substance and 2 criminal use of a communications facility, 2 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: prescription drugs, Bruce Matalavage, 56, Owl Creek Rd, Tamaqua, 2 felony counts - possession with intent to deliver, 7 misdemeanor - 5 possession of controlled substance and 2 paraphernalia: methamphetamine, heroin and LSD, Christopher Farber, 24, Glenwood Ave., Tamaqua. Toxic chemicals in Emmaus water could cost at least $24M to fix, 'Can't wait to see everyone': After 3-year hiatus, beloved Easton deli nears reopening, How do you know your money is safe? In the City of Pottsville tipsters can call 622-1234 . Kimberly Frey, 27, Ridge Terrace, Coaldale, Angelina Patton, 25, Washington St. Tamaqua. Even so, on Wednesday, officials decided to "send a message that Schuylkill County isn't looking to [address drug crimes] piecemeal" after a months-long investigation into drug manufacturing, selling and use in the area, Holman said. PORT CARBON, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU-TV) Police say they made more than a dozen arrests in an early morning drug sweep in Schuylkill County. Accused dealers were: Marijuana: Nicholas J. Scott Taylor. Updated: 6:54 PM EDT May 1, 2023. Thirteen were arrested and eight suspects remain on the loose. Investigators parked outside the home on different occasions and watched as the informant purchased drugs from Klinger and Bertasavage, who Klinger asked to bring an additional drug supply to the home, police said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. O'Pake and Burke race for Schuylkill County judge Example video title will go here for this video, Newswatch 16 for July 25, 1984 | From the WNEP Archives. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. 6 felony counts - 2 possession with intent to deliver, 2 delivery of a controlled substance and 2 criminal use of a communications facility. Chief among those arresed wereMichael S. Klinger Jr., 38, and Erica Lynn Bertasavage, 20, who had been "moving significant amounts" of methamphetamine in the area, said Hegins TownshipSgt. Among those arrested were two people from Tamaqua and one from the Shenandoah area whose names were withheld while the investigation continues. The drug and warrant sweep focused on northern Schuylkill County, mainly in Shenandoah, according to Shenandoah police Chief George Carado. More than two dozen people. 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Nov 19, 2014 Nov 19, 2014 Updated Apr 15, 2020; Two days later, they made a deal with the informant to sell 1/2 ounce of the drug for $1,350, according to police paperwork. The investigation and subsequent arrests are a clear indication of the law enforcement community's shared commitment to curtail illegal activity and curb violence in the communities they serve. The purpose of Operation Schuylkill Sweep is to clean up Schuylkill County from drug dealers, Goodman said. Eight Arrested in Drug Sweep Keith R. Witmer, 23, of Steelton: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. 1 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: prescription drugs, 5 felony counts -- possession with intent to deliver, 2 delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications device, ?2 misdemeanors - 2 possession of a controlled substance: heroin and prescription drugs, 2 misdemeanors - 2 possession of controlled substance: marijuana, 4 Felony Counts - 2 possession with intent to deliver, 2 deliver of a controlled substance, 1 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: methamphetamine, Nicholas Tipton, 37, Schuylkill Ave., Tamaqua, 1 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: heroin, Richard Hornbeck, 45, E. Broad St., Tamaqua, 1 count- delivery of a controlled substance, 1 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance, methamphetamine, 1 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: methamphetamine, 2 felony counts - 2 possession with intent to deliver, 3 misdemeanor - 2 possession of controlled substance and paraphernalia: heroin and methamphetamine, Christina Kieffer, 27, currently in Schuylkill Co. Prison on other charges, 1 misdemeanor - possession of controlled substance: heroin. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Tamaqua Police Department worked with the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force to conduct a drug sweep operation Monday . Michael Felty, 33, of Hegins: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance-heroin and methamphetamine. According to filed police paperwork, area residents have called police with multiple complaints about suspected drug activity in Klinger's home in the 300 block of N. Keystone Street. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY A six-month drug investigation leads to eight arrests. ", Yarmush continued saying "we are putting in the work that it takes to keep our neighborhood safe neighborhoods to live in.". 7 alleged drug dealers arrested in Schuylkill Co. drug sweep That wont be true in 2024. Get our expert short-term forecast, summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather. POTTSVILLE Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph G. Groody is reminding county residents to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 7 alleged drug dealers arrested in Schuylkill Co. drug sweep, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Get our expert short-term forecast, summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather. (Frank Andruscavage/RepublicanHerald 11-22-16), Schuylkill County Depot Sheriff Jeff Allar, left, escorts Trevor Jenkins from the office of Magisterial District Judge David Rossi to Schuylkill County Prison. Copy and paste this code into your website. Eight people were arrested in Tamaqua and Coaldale Monday morning in what the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force and police called a sweep aimed at stopping heroin and methamphetamine dealing. Error! Invalid password or account does not exist. Mostly cloudy, brisk, and unseasonably cool with a few scattered showers. Others charged and arrested Wednesday morning in the sweep included: All are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 2 for preliminary hearings on the charges. Law enforcement tied each to the methamphetamine and heroin trade, which are "drugs of choice these days," said Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman. Schuylkill County Drug Sweep nets several arrests He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and jailed, unable to post a total of $30,000 straight cash bail. Torey Lewis Mack, 25, of Pine Grove: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Schuylkill County District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon on Friday announced a drug sweep in that county resulted in arrest warrants being served on 13 street level drug dealers. "Once we get them out of here, the message will be sent -- 'Don't come back,'" shesaid. Authorities said they are still looking for the following individuals and have active arrest warrants for each one. Block and Kemmy A. Laity, both of Schuylkill Haven, Timothy E. Hostetter of Orwigsburg and Mark Starzetsky of Pottsville. The two people who will be sent a summons by mail on misdemeanor charges are: Jolena Deeter, 29, of Joliett: possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Law enforcement officials in Schuylkill County arrested seven street level drug dealers during a sweep on Friday. Success! Preserve the moment with a photo reprint. In addition to the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, agencies participating in Tuesday's round up were Homeland Security Investigations, Philadelphia; state police from Harrisburg and Schuylkill Haven; Schuylkill County Sheriff's deputies; Schuylkill County Adult Probation officers; and municipal police from Tower City, Hegins, Butler Township, West Mahanoy Township, Palo Alto, East Union Township, Mahanoy Township, Saint Clair, Mahanoy City, Tamaqua, Shenandoah, Pine Grove, Ashland and Tremont. Theyare each being held in Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 bail. Those arrested, say authorities, did not work together. : Local economists weigh in after 3rd bank failure in last 2 months, Baby alligator temporarily staying in the Poconos after being found at sewage plant in Allentown, LVHN offering 2nd dose of bivalent COVID-19 booster shot for people 65 and older, immunocompromised people, Work to replace busy bridge connecting Lehigh, Northampton counties is underway; there's some good news for commuters, Allentown Service Plaza to close at night during the week as crews do paving work, High Delaware River water levels lead to additional safety requirements at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area this week, Gov. Eyewitness news reporter Rachael Espaillat was at the port carbon magistrate court where those suspects were brought in. We won't share it with anyone else. Officials in Schuylkill County said Derek Hunsicker, 26, Joel Vermillion, 24, Francisco Aponte Jr., 24, Elizabeth Tansley, 26, Kevin Tansley, 28, and Zachary Hoffman, 23, all of Tamaqua, and Sara Lucykanish, 20, and Daniel Fink, 31, both of Lehighton were arrested Monday for selling heroin and methamphetamine. Law enforcement was busy on the streets of one SchyulkillCounty community early this morning for a large drug sweep. There was an error processing your request. Others: Randy M. Gelbutis of Shenandoah, LSD, and Kimberly Aregood of Schuylkill Haven, methamphetamine. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Investigators brought in waves of handcuffed . They were: Eric R. Pinkerton, 27, of Tower City: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Apr. Those who could not meet bail were taken to Schuylkill County Prison. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The following were charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver: Dustin Oncay, 31, Tamaqua; and Bruce Matalavage, 56, Tamaqua. 14 arrested in Schuylkill drug sweep Aaron M. Williams, 25, of Pine Grove: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. During the operation, Minersville Police were assisted by the PA Office of Attorney General - Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, U.S Marshals Fugitive Task Force, St. Clair Police, Cass Township Police and the Schuylkill County District Attorneys Office. Beau Yarmush in whose coverage areas the majority of the controlled buys and other investigative operations occurred. Detectives from the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, assisted by the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Department and members of the Pottsville Bureau of Police and Schuylkill County Adult Probation Department, executed the arrest warrants. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Lee A. Dubois Sr., 37, of Pine Grove: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Drug sweep nets eight | News | standardspeaker.com 69 News. A drug sweep unfolded in the Tamaqua area in Schuylkill County on Monday after warrants were issued for 28 people charged with offenses related to heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, LSD and prescr Trisha M. Fetterhoff, 27, of Muir: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. 27A total of 685 pounds of unwanted, expired and unused medication was collected in Schuylkill County on Saturday during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Get the latest headlines on local sports! Frustration after Drug Busts in Tamaqua | wnep.com The others were being sought by county detectives and local police departments, he said. FRANK ANDRUSCAVAGE/STAFF PHOTOS Chad E. Hoy, Valley View, is led out of the office of Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, on Tuesday morning by Schuylkill County sheriffs Capt. Authorities collared 10 street-level drug dealers from throughout Schuylkill County during a drug sweep Wednesday. They were Robert Rockwell, Hegins, Troy Kramer, Tremont and Nikki Leininger, also of Tremont. (570) 621-2890. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. Police also arrested31-year-old Eric Lee Reppert, who is accused of attempting to steal a garbage truck while armed with a butcher knife,during the bust. Ethan Bass Stiles, 22, of Lykens: delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. I would just like to throw a huge thank you out there to our District Attorney Christine Holman, Police Chief Rick Weaver, The Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, The Tamaqua Drug Task Force, and all other police men and women who helped gather some poison off the streets today! During the operation, a total over $16,000 worth of controlled substances and one handgun were seized. 410 N. Centre St Suite 2, Pottsville, PA 17901. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY A six-month drug investigation leads to eight arrests. 21 Apr 2023 17:00:13 All others were arraigned before District Judge James Ferrier in Orwigsburg and sent to jail under $5,000 cash bail. By Frank Andruscavage; Nov 22, 2016 Nov 22, 2016 Updated Apr 15, 2020; An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. By FRANK ANDRUSCAVAGE (Staff Writer fandruscavage@republicanherald.com), Pas de chat: Lagerfeld's cat Choupette won't be at Met Gala, Greener pastures? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Critics say theyll make bias worse. Scott A. Wertz, 30, of Tower City: delivery of a counterfeit substance, possession with intent to deliver a counterfeit substance and criminal use of a communications facility-powder purported to be methamphetamine. The program allows those with unwanted, expired or unused prescription . Schuylkill County District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon said in a prepared statement Wednesday that starting at 6 a.m. and lasting until the early afternoon, detectives from the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office and . Can Trump still run for President in 2024? The 15 face a total of 900-thousand dollars in bond to get out of jail. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. How much does it cost to replace an alternator? WATCH: Scranton Saint Patricks Parade steps off! Unrelated charges: Joseph Klinger on outstanding warrants and Mark Bevan on possession of methamphetamine. Names of suspects in drug sweep in Schuylkill, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Names of suspects in drug sweep in Schuylkill County, Few leads, false alarms as search for Texas gunman drags on, Trump accuser says many in her generation didnt report rape, Florida was the most prized swing state for decades. Goodman recently expanded the task force so local police could help in investigations throughout the county. This is a huge step into the right direction in Schuylkill County. Police have released their names and the charges they are facing. Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email. Were trying to get the drug deliverers taken care of. We won't share it with anyone else. Eric Pinkerton, left, and Wiley Humphrey are escorted to Schuylkill County Prison by county sheriffs Capt. Dozens charged in Tamaqua drug sweep Beau Yarmush. Get the latest headlines on local sports! Officials in Schuylkill County said Derek Hunsicker, 26, Joel Vermillion, 24, F. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Human remains found in Stroudsburg identified as woman missing since last year, Few leads, false alarms as search for Texas gunman drags on, Serena Williams reveals second pregnancy at Met Gala, At least 6 dead after dust storm causes crashes on Illinois highway, May Day: Worlds workers rally, France sees pension anger, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Drug Sweep in Schuylkill County Nets Several Arrests - PAhomepage.com