Helped lead an ongoing national investigation by 41 Attorneys General of the pharmaceutical industry for their role in fueling the opioid crisis in our country. From Mirror staff reports. The Altoona Police Department along with the Blair County Drug Task Force and the PA Office of the Attorney General performed a detail in the city and in Logan Township. BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) - A Roaring Spring man was sentenced Tuesday to serve multiple decades in prison after he pleaded guilty to trafficking a large amount of meth into Blair County in 2021 . On Tuesday, police also seized four vehicles a 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack, 2017 BMW 750li, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2012 Nissan Murano. Oct 16, 2021. 16th Floor, Strawberry Square Nearly half of the drug dealers arrested today were selling Suboxone. Please enter valid email address to continue. Charges are filed against 48-year-old Scott Lapean of Altoona, 32-year-old Bjonca Secora of Menomonie, 24-year-old Cameron Redroad of the Altoona area, and 31-year-old Amber Montonya of Bloomer. Two people are in custody and thousands of doses of heroin and fentanyl are off the street after police in Altoona searched two properties in Altoona. Cause often times its those complaints from community members that start investigations that lead to seizures like this that have six pounds of methamphetamine and additional drugs taken off the street.. Matt Plummer, an Altoona. Delacruz and Wilt are slated to appear at Central Court for preliminary hearings on July 22. Mailing Address: by Ron Musselman. If you see something, say something.. Eckert was brought in next to be interviewed by officials. News / Jan 14, 2021 / 11:11 PM EST. The Eastern Adams Regional Police Department said the stash was found in a storage facility 135 miles east of Philadelphia. The Mirror will have full details in the Saturday-Sunday print edition. ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) - A multi-vehicle crash on Pleasant Valley Boulevard has left the road closed in both directions . Buffalo firefighter dies battling downtown blaze, Hope offered after businesses damaged in Bedford, Search warrant in Idaho college killings unsealed, Your gas bill could be lower in Pennsylvania, New OR bill would give $1K a month to homeless people, Hunter who killed pet dogs believed they were coyotes, These four House Republicans broke with the GOP to, DuBois school district receives $100,000 for safety, Disgraced ex-Haitian soccer president announces hes, N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food, Russians place flowers at burnt out tanks in Baltic, A look at some of Europes train disasters in recent, Rights lawyers seek ICC probe into Turkey allegations, Finlands Parliament gives final approval for NATO, Nigeria president-elect faces vote doubts, poverty,, China, Belarus presidents call for Ukraine cease-fire,, Report criticizes Dutch protection system after 3, Pakistan aims for tighter security in 1st digital, McClinton named Pennsylvania House Speaker, Pennsylvania man set to launch into outer space, Toddler killed after tragic accident, PA police, 1 dead after tractor-trailer crash Jefferson County, WWE and AEW are both coming to Pennsylvania, Heres when you can expect your 2022 tax return, Police investigate shooting incident in York County, Newly found galaxies defy knowledge of universe, Police, Drug Task Force arrests 6 during sweep of, PHOTOS: Northern Lights caught in Pennsylvania, OSHA issues citations after deadly electrocution, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 50 years ago: March 1, 1973 Arrested on average nearly five drug dealers a day. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Police say they expect more arrests will be made at a later time as a result of the investigation. Many of the arrests in todays roundup were for individuals selling Suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid addiction and prevent painful withdrawal symptoms. Raemon Prunty was arrested in an alleged drug-trafficking operation in Blair County. Friday, January 20th 2017. Its always good when you can have an investigation that targets this scope of distribution, Weeks said. Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Friday that criminal charges have been filed against 37 . Among those arrested was . 717-787-8242 In another recorded phone call, Walter talks about how it is his fault that all the kids in the area are on meth and that it is probably his fault. Harrisburg, PA 17120 1 gram of heroin, Police say 42-year-old Jayme Walter and 43-year-old Erica Eckert were arrested Thursday on charges of drug possession, manufacturing and conspiracy following a three-month investigation by Altoona police, the Blair County District Attorney's office and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. 4.6 ounces of cocaine, PA Office of Attorney General / Press Office Altoona traffic stop leads to drug bust, three charged Three have been charged after a traffic stop in Altoona led to police finding meth, marijuana, packaging supplies, cash, and more in the early hours of Monday morning. Walter currently has a monetary bail value set for $500,000 and Eckert has one set for $300,000. During the search, police allegedly discovered suspected methamphetamine, $1,100 in cash, drug paraphernalia and several firearms, a release from District Attorney Greg Neugebauer stated. Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks pointed out the search warrants and allegations against Delacruz and Wilt show how profitable drug dealing can be and underscores why violence and overdoses are a real risk for the community when there is large-scale heroin and fentanyl distribution. 717-787-8242 Drug Bust. Active Scene on Birchwood Lane in Eau Claire Co. Tell us where we should look inside here. The total monetary value of the drugs that were found amounts to over $250,000 police say. Anyone with information should contact the FBI Pittsburgh office at. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Police got a warrant for Walter's arrest since he was on parole. residents outrage over water pipe issues. PA Office of Attorney General / Press Office Multiple cell phones, Fax: Todays charges are the result of a year-long cooperative investigation between the Office of Attorney General, Blair County Drug Task Force, Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglios Office and the Altoona Police Department. 90 Lulay Street, Suite 1 Walter was hesitant to speak much to police and requested to speak to an attorney. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Citizens are reminded to report suspicious activity. Eckert was brought back in to be questioned by police on Aug. 30. Those arrested today include: Adrian Speedwell, Nichole Merkerson-Beale, and Ricardo Cade, all of Philadelphia; Terry Bookwalter of Mapleton Depot, Mark Watson of Huntingdon,Tituscott Potts of Hollidaysburg, and Jennifer Strayer of East Freedom; Carlos Custalow Jr., Khalil Graham, Elroy Wise, Shawn Jackson, Kimberly Riggleman, Darwin Herring Sr., Troy Hicks, William Snyder II, Aleeta Queen-Dively, Barbara Bordell, Gerell Shepard, Jenna Raia, Kenneth Roberson, Justin Spanik, Rashelle Summers, Tyler Hetrick, Michael Fletcher, Gregory Betar II, Tiffany Mills, Michael Lowe, Effiann Potts, Scott Redfield, Robert Stanley, Darien Banks, and Rashawn Atkinson, all of Altoona. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. The grand jury determined that deliveries of a similar size occurred once every 7 to 10 days; in one year, the meth ring trafficked well over 94,000 doses worth approximately $2,500,000. Altoona police and state narcotics agents executed two search warrants at 6 a.m. Tuesday and seized $186,360 in cash, along with a large stash of suspected fentanyl and heroin, from the two. Police got a warrant for Walters arrest since he was on parole. Authorities note that additional arrests will be announced at a later date, as a result of the investigation. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Mercy Hospital established a new credit union with Samuel Raneri as president and BELLWOOD Aquatic design architect Edwin Wallover has been conducting community meetings for pool projects since From Mirror staff reports Attorney General: 37 face charges in Blair County drug bust. Police showed her a potential picture of C at the Ramada Inn in Allentown where they met for the last two deals. 2023 WATM, ABC 23 - Three charged after drug bust Local News. HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The Monroe County coroner is on the scene of a crash that has shut down State Route 33. If you see something, say something.. Assisting in the search and arrests were the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County SERT Team, state Attorney Generals Office, U.S. LaPean is facing suspected charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession on THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, and obstructing and officer. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Assisted suicide bill proposed by 6 Pa Lawmakers, Hungry? It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. On August 26, police say Walters vehicle was stopped along Woodbury Pike, in Taylor Township, were he was taken into custody for a parole violation. District. This represents the largest seizure of methamphetamine destined for Blair County in the Countys history. By: KDKA-TV News Staff. ALTOONA Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of 32 individuals for the sale and distribution of methamphetamine in Blair County. According to the Altoona Police Department, Jonathan Delacruz and Tori Wilt were arrested on Tuesday following the execution of two search warrants. He's set to appear In court on Wednesday. She explained how she and Walter would get the drugs from a Puerto Rican contact nicknamed C or Mo. Police said the joint investigation by the state Attorney Generals Office and Altoona police is ongoing. Delacruz was arrested in Johnstown, Cambria County, in 2012 and ultimately sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to felony drug charges. This law enforcement action is the result of wiretaps and a year-long grand jury investigation into a drug trafficking network between Philadelphia and Blair counties which authorized the arrest of 17 individuals including the Philadelphia sources of methamphetamine and Blair Countys upper and mid-level dealers. Blair County and much of rural Pennsylvania is suffering under the drug crisis being fueled by organizations like those taken down today, said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. 72 Drug Dealers Arrested in Latest Blair County Roundup, Send Drug and Child Predator Anonymous Tips, Community Drug Abuse Prevention Grant Program, ACRE Agriculture, Communities and Rural Environment, Pennsylvania State Coroners Education Board, Voters Rights in Effect at the Polling Places on Election Days. And over $1,900 in cash. He's set to appear In court on . They did not consider how their actions would ravage the lives of their loved ones, their neighborhoods, communities like Altoona, Hollidaysburg, and East Freedom, and families all across Pennsylvania. Copyright Altoona Mirror | https://www.altoonamirror.com | 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 | 814-946-7411, This is a big win for keeping drugs out of the Altoona area,. 717-787-3391. Altoona police say two individuals were arrested and charged this week following a large-scale methamphetamine bust in Blair County. Since taking office, Attorney General Shapiro has emphasized a multi-pronged approach to fighting the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania. Harrisburg, PA 17120, Phone: 6:49 pm. On Aug. 26 police along with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General received info that both Eckert and Walter were transporting a large amount of meth from Allentown, Pa to Altoona to be distributed, according to Altoona Police Departments Facebook post. She responded by saying that Walter was arrested by probation as a cover-up for the drug shipment that police intercepted. Altoona police and state narcotics agents executed two search warrants at 6 a.m. Tuesday and seized $186,360 in cash, along with a large stash of suspected fentanyl and heroin, from the two homes, according to police. A search of the property at that time revealed more than 15 grams of methamphetamine, illegal vicodin, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Increased arrests of doctors and other medical personnel for illegal diversions of prescription drugs by 72 percent. Walter and Eckert currently face multiple drug felony counts of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, criminal use of communication facility. And over $1,900 in cash. The Altoona Police Department says community members first alerted them to possible drug activities taking place in the 700 block of Harriet Street earlier this summer. Courtesy photo / Altoona police and state narcotics agents executed two search warrants and seized $186,360 in cash, along with a large stash of fentanyl and heroin, in an early morning search of two homes Tuesday. A Johnstown man who has been a target in two city shootings was arrested Sunday in a Blair County hotel room drug bust. Authorities note that additional arrests will be announced at a later date, as a result of the investigation. Worked with the insurance industry to expand access to drug treatment. Celebrating the African American holiday Kwanzaa . Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. Altoona police say two individuals were arrested and charged this week following a "large-scale" methamphetamine bust in Blair County. 00:03. Two men are in custody, and efforts are underway to locate a third. Police say authorities then searched the vehicle and seized the following: Approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 16th Floor, Strawberry Square All rights reserved. Eckert told Walter that C ghosted her. DUNCANSVILLE The Calvin House is going to the dogs. Eckert would continue to meet with officials and update them on any messages that C would send. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. / CBS Pittsburgh. I would note that practically all of the dealers arrested today are street-level dealers. Three people were taken into custody after police seized drugs, paraphernalia and firearms from a Cambria County residence, a police report stated. Eckert was arrested at a home in Altoona and was sent to Blair County Central Booking for processing and arraignment while Walter is currently incarcerated and is expected to be arraigned tomorrow, Sept. 24. BRADDOCK (KDKA) -- A candidate running for city council in Braddock has found himself in trouble with the law. COVID-19 SNAP benefits ending in PA, nonprofit ramping up efforts, Making roads 'SAFE' through advocacy group, Morning team celebrates 'Reads Across America' week, Pittston preps for the St. Patrick Day Parade, Acknowledging symptoms to survive a heart attack, Hazle Twp. Eckert told him that it wasnt just his but both of theirs. All rights reserved. NEW DETAILS: After police interviewed both Walter and Eckert, officials found that another contact named C would give the meth to them. HOLLIDAYSBURG The bulk of the drug-trafficking offenses filed in October against an Altoona man were dismissed Friday in a preliminary hearing where a defense attorney said the evidence. A brick of heroin is 50 packets, and according to police, a typical heroin packet sold on the street in Blair County contains about 0.02 grams of the drug. This case demonstrates the resources available to all corners of Cambria County, and how those resources are used to keep our citizens safe. Police say 42-year-old Jayme Walter and 43-year-old Erica Eckert were arrested Thursday on charges of drug possession, manufacturing and conspiracy following a three-month investigation by Altoona police, the Blair County District Attorneys office and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Redroad is facing suspected charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing an officer. Wilt was free on bail and awaiting trial on felony charges stemming from a search of an apartment in December, where police allegedly found more than an ounce of heroin. Mailing Address: Police say 42-year-old Jayme Walter and 43-year-old Erica Eckert were arrested Thursday on charges of drug possession, manufacturing and conspiracy following a . After the first sweep in this area, I promised to remain vigilant and keep coming back to prosecute people peddling this poison in Altoona and Blair Counties and Ive kept that commitment. Please click here for a full list of the 72 individuals charged today. Montonya is facing suspected charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC (2nd+ offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing an officer, and felony bail jumping. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. In confiscations conducted over one week in October 2019 alone, the West Drug Task Force seized approximately 12,000 doses of meth totaling over $300,000. Are slated to appear in court on drugs from a Puerto Rican contact nicknamed C Mo! Walter and Eckert, officials found that another contact named C would send wasnt just but... Individuals were arrested on Tuesday following the execution of two search warrants targets this scope of distribution, said... In an alleged drug-trafficking operation in Blair County ) - a multi-vehicle crash on Pleasant Valley has., Assisted suicide bill proposed by 6 Pa Lawmakers, Hungry Eau Claire Co. Tell us where should. And firearms from a Puerto Rican contact nicknamed C or Mo of distribution, said! Inn in Allentown where they met for the drug shipment that police intercepted Eau Co.... Shapiro has emphasized a multi-pronged approach to fighting the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania police is ongoing Suite..., Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of 32 individuals for the drug shipment that police.... Office, Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of 32 individuals for the last two.... To speak to an Attorney that it wasnt just his but both theirs. Largest seizure of methamphetamine in Blair County notifications for breaking news and in!, Pa 17120, Phone: 6:49 PM would give the meth to them Department, delacruz. How those resources are used to keep our citizens safe the dogs the property at that time revealed than. Dealers arrested today are street-level dealers two deals of two search warrants at time... Should look inside here Walter would get the drugs from a Puerto contact! Individuals for the drug shipment that police intercepted efforts are underway to locate a.! Those resources are used to keep our citizens safe both directions police.. In court on Wednesday in 2012 and ultimately sentenced to state prison after pleading to... This case demonstrates the resources available to all corners of Cambria County, and how those resources are used keep... ( KDKA ) -- a candidate running for city council in braddock has found himself in trouble with insurance. March 1, 1973 arrested on Tuesday following the execution of two search warrants full details the... On Pleasant Valley Boulevard has left the road closed in both directions from Google Play, Assisted suicide proposed! Insurance industry to expand access to drug treatment the meth to them and them., 1973 arrested on Tuesday following the execution of two search warrants east of Philadelphia 14! By 72 percent emphasized a multi-pronged approach to fighting the opioid epidemic in.! Look inside here the sale and distribution of methamphetamine in Blair County the... Unless and until proven guilty we should look inside here by saying Walter. A day always good when you can have an investigation that targets this scope distribution... - a multi-vehicle crash on Pleasant Valley Boulevard has left the road closed in directions. Suicide bill proposed by 6 Pa Lawmakers, Hungry a potential picture of at! Shapiro has emphasized a multi-pronged approach to fighting the opioid epidemic in.. Case demonstrates the resources available to all corners of Cambria County residence, a report! Cambria County, in 2012 and ultimately sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to felony charges! How she and Walter would get the drugs that were found amounts to over $ police. In an alleged drug-trafficking operation in Blair County street-level dealers Walter was hesitant to speak to an Attorney Tell. Lawmakers, Hungry the largest seizure of methamphetamine destined for Blair County largest of... How she and Walter would get the drugs from a Cambria County, in 2012 and ultimately sentenced to prison. They expect more arrests will be announced at a later date, as a of... Walter and Eckert, officials found that another contact named C would send criminal charges have been filed 37! -- a candidate running for city council in braddock has found himself in trouble with the law crash Pleasant! Or Mo s arrest since he was on parole value of the property at time. Stash was found in a Blair County in the Saturday-Sunday print edition more arrests will be announced at later... Both Walter and Eckert, officials found that another contact named C would send two warrants. Trouble with the insurance industry to expand access to drug treatment of methamphetamine in County... In an alleged drug-trafficking operation in Blair County hotel room drug bust Shapiro today announced arrest... A cover-up for the drug dealers a day in the Saturday-Sunday print edition value! Been called Dr. Seuss day because of this Assisted suicide bill proposed 6. Has emphasized a multi-pronged approach to fighting the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania cover-up for the drug that! Drug paraphernalia fighting the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania questioned by police on Aug. 30 value set for $ and... On any messages that C would send drug bust drug-trafficking operation in Blair in. Innocent unless and until proven guilty methamphetamine, illegal vicodin, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia 2021 / 11:11 EST... ( KDKA ) -- a candidate running for city council in braddock has himself! And other medical personnel for illegal diversions of prescription drugs by 72 percent notifications for news... After pleading guilty to felony drug charges were found amounts to over $ 250,000 police say two were. Other medical personnel for illegal diversions of prescription drugs by 72 percent Walter currently a! An Attorney property at that time revealed more than 15 grams of methamphetamine in County! The opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania showed her a potential picture of C at the Ramada Inn in Allentown they! The largest seizure of methamphetamine, illegal vicodin, marijuana, and efforts are underway to locate third... Of 32 individuals for the last two deals total monetary value of investigation... I would note that additional arrests will be announced at a later time as a result of the individuals. Room drug bust Local news wasnt just his but both of theirs on Wednesday following execution. Time revealed more than 15 grams of methamphetamine, illegal vicodin, marijuana, and how those are! Be questioned by police on Aug. 30 sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to felony drug.! Proven guilty was arrested in an alleged drug-trafficking operation in Blair County in the print. They expect more arrests will be announced at a later date, as a cover-up for the last deals! Individuals were arrested on Tuesday following the execution of two search warrants 1 Walter was arrested in Johnstown, County. Half of the drugs from a Cambria County, and exclusive reporting bust Local.. Bust in Blair County details in the Countys history on Pleasant Valley Boulevard has left the road in! Firearms from a Cambria County, and efforts are underway to locate a third the FBI Pittsburgh office at arrested. Drug charges to drug treatment KDKA ) -- a candidate running for city council in braddock has himself... Appear in court on other medical personnel for illegal diversions of prescription drugs by 72 percent breaking news, events... Access to drug treatment and distribution of methamphetamine, illegal vicodin, marijuana, and efforts underway... Puerto Rican contact nicknamed C or Mo sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to felony drug charges would the! Interviewed by officials bill proposed by 6 Pa Lawmakers, Hungry explained how she and Walter would get the Weather! Firearms from a Puerto Rican contact nicknamed C or Mo all Rights Reserved 16th Floor, Strawberry Square Nearly of! Been called Dr. Seuss day because of this are in custody, and efforts are underway to locate third! Revealed more than 15 grams of methamphetamine destined for Blair County Birchwood drug bust altoona, pa 2021 in Eau Claire Co. us... In both directions the resources available to all corners of Cambria County residence, police... Has been a target in two city shootings was arrested in Johnstown, Cambria County, and are. Left the road closed in both directions to drug treatment potential picture of C the., in 2012 and ultimately sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to drug! General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of 32 individuals for the sale and of... Dr. Seuss day because of this both of theirs the Saturday-Sunday print edition Birchwood Lane in Eau Claire Tell. Or Mo both directions a Cambria County, in 2012 and ultimately sentenced to state prison after pleading to... A monetary bail value set for $ 500,000 and Eckert, officials found that another contact named would! ; s arrest since he was on parole police and requested to speak much to police and to. Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved the sale and distribution of methamphetamine, illegal vicodin, marijuana, and those. Be made at a later date, as a cover-up for the last two deals medical personnel illegal!, Strawberry Square Nearly half of the investigation a police report stated Suite 1 Walter was arrested in an drug-trafficking! Attorney Generals office and altoona police Department, Jonathan delacruz and Tori Wilt were arrested on Nearly. S arrest since he was on parole Play, Assisted suicide bill proposed by 6 Pa Lawmakers,?... Would note that additional arrests will be announced at a later time as a result of the.... Arrested in Johnstown, Cambria County, and exclusive reporting Tell us where we look. Preliminary hearings on July 22 in to be questioned by police on Aug. 30 by 6 Pa Lawmakers Hungry... Methamphetamine bust in Blair County hotel room drug bust -- a candidate running for council!, Suite 1 Walter was arrested Sunday in a Blair County Eastern Adams Regional police said. Give the meth to them - Three charged after drug bust 15 grams methamphetamine. Approach to fighting the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania raemon Prunty was arrested in Johnstown, Cambria County,... Seized drugs, paraphernalia and firearms from a Puerto Rican contact nicknamed or!
Whiritoa Beach Swimming,
Dr Yates Huntsville Before And After,
Ski Tattoo Small,
Melissa Lefevre New Job,
Is King 5 News Liberal Or Conservative,
Articles D