HARRISBURG Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced criminal charges against 72 people for selling heroin, illegal prescription opioids, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, crack, bath salts and other drugs in Blair County - the 9th major drug sweep in the county since he took office in January 2017. Altoona police seized about $170,000 in suspected heroin earlier this week during an investigation into drug trafficking between Pittsburgh and Altoona, said Sgt. If packaged, the 77 grams of heroin seized could fill at least another 3,850 packets before it was cut with anything. I would note that practically all of the dealers arrested today are street-level dealers. Fifteen people have been arrested for allegedly operating a violent drug trafficking organization that was responsible for $20 million in drug sales in Berks County over a year's time. Active Scene on Birchwood Lane in Eau Claire Co. Tell us where we should look inside here. "Thus, the Suboxone traffic goes hand in hand with opioid addiction in this area and around the state and the county," said Shapiro. Since taking office, Attorney General Shapiro has emphasized a multi-pronged approach to fighting the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania. Do you receive unwanted calls? 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. 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. DUNCANSVILLE The Calvin House is going to the dogs. One at a home on Beale Avenue and another on. Altoona police seized about $170,000 in suspected heroin earlier this week during an investigation into drug trafficking between Pittsburgh and Altoona, said Sgt. 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. 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. 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Police say authorities then searched the vehicle and seized the following: Approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine, It is important that these individuals be targeted. Miko faces one felony count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and misdemeanor counts of drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, the report stated. Community / 3 days ago. 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. 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 Department's Facebook post. PA Office of Attorney General / Press Office After conducting a traffic stop, both Eckert and Walter were taken into custody and interviewed. ALTOONA Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of 32 individuals for the sale and distribution of methamphetamine in Blair County. 90 Lulay Street, Suite 1 Officials on Sept. 21 would review phone calls in Blair County prison between Eckert and Walter. Police say they seized nearly 10,000 packets of heroin in total from a home in Altoona and from the vehicle Prunty was in when he was arrested. 1 gram of heroin, All rights reserved, The Stone Company Kitchen Island Giveaway. The incident, which prompted Logan Township police to file charges. 717-787-8242 Delacruz and Wilt are slated to appear at Central Court for preliminary hearings on July 22. 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. 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. Celebrating the African American holiday Kwanzaa . When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. His office has: The Attorney General also thanked Operation Our Town for its support. In early July, officers responded to a disturbance at the home. 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. Johnstown,PA 15904, Copyright The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Copyright Altoona Mirror | https://www.altoonamirror.com | 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 | 814-946-7411, Its always good when you can have an investigation that targets this scope of distribution,, Its great work by the AG and Altoona police.. Operation Our Town is an organization in Blair County with a mission of supporting the fight against drugs and violent crime. Email: A Johnstown man who has been a target in two city shootings was arrested Sunday in a Blair County hotel room drug bust. Investigators say in late August, authorities were notified that the pair was transporting a large amount of methamphetamine from Allentown to the Altoona area. Fax: Officials also found that Eckert actually told C that she was working with police and that she brought up an attempt to deceive police to help Walter get released from jail. 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. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. December 15, 2021 / 11:08 AM / CBS Pittsburgh. Although most, if not all, of the narcotics suppliers normally come from out of town, these local dealers are a major component in the narcotics network that spreads this poison throughout the county.. 2023 WWCP, FOX 8 - Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Attorney General Shapiro: I promised to remain vigilant and arrest people peddling poison in Altoona and Blair Counties and Ive kept that commitment.. 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. 1 gram of heroin, 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. On Tuesday, police also seized four vehicles a 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack, 2017 BMW 750li, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2012 Nissan Murano. Nearly half the arrests made today were for people selling Suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid addition and prevent painful withdrawal symptoms. Thank you to the many law enforcement agencies for their hard work and commitment to ridding our streets of drugs, Neugebauer said in a release. Citizens are reminded to report suspicious activity. 16th Floor, Strawberry Square Copyright Altoona Mirror | https://www.altoonamirror.com | 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 | 814-946-7411, Thank you to the many law enforcement agencies for their hard work and commitment to ridding our streets of drugs,, This case demonstrates the resources available to all corners of Cambria County, and how those resources are used to keep our citizens safe. ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office reported that more than 30 people were arrested Thursday morning in what they called "Operation Ice Breaker." 32 individuals were arrested after the use of wiretaps and a year-long grand jury investigation. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Judge Jones set bail at $500,000 cash for each. This is a big win for keeping drugs out of the Altoona area, Plummer said Friday afternoon. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement made a series of approximately 80 controlled purchases utilizing undercover officers/agents. (Pittsburgh FBI) They're indicted for selling multiple drugs including heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine and crack. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Please click here for a full list of the 72 individuals charged today. Altoona Police say the 21-year-old and another person were bringing thousands of packets of heroin from Pittsburgh to Altoona. Altoona police say two individuals were arrested and charged this week following a "large-scale" methamphetamine bust in Blair County. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Friday that criminal charges have been filed against 37 . Friday, January 20th 2017. What was in the sky Wednesday night in Pennsylvania? Well continue working with our law enforcement partners to keep this region safe.. 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. April 26, 2021 / 7:41 AM residents outrage over water pipe issues. Police say they expect more arrests will be made at a later time as a result of the investigation. Harrisburg, PA 17120, Phone: Eckert explained how she would meet C every two weeks to buy more drugs and that Walter was along for a few trips. ALTOONA, Pa. 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