Friday, February 19, 2016

Six Face Drug Charges After Investigations in Minersville

Six individuals now face drug charges after two narcotic investigations lead to drugs being found.

On Tuesday, February 16th, 2016, after an investigation, the Minersville Police Department secured a search warrant and executed it at 233 Stadium Street, Minersville.

During the search, police found 15 prepackaged baggies off white crystalline substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine, 3 digital scales, multiple ledger sheets/books, detailing the drug transactions and money owed, 3 prepackaged baggies, each containing multiple pills identified as controlled substances, a large purse contacting a large quantity of new resealable baggies, and $401 in cash.

The home was identified as the residence of Sean Thomas Cooper and Candace Bassininsky.

Bassininsky provided a written statement stating that the pills belonged to her and Cooper and that she used the methamphetamine and distributed it to her friends.

The arresting officer, Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers said as a result of the investigation, it is believed that Cooper and Bassininsky were involved in trafficking of methamphetamine and pills from their home on Stadium Street.

Cooper Bassininsky were both charged with Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post bail.

Both are scheduled for a Preliminary Hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina Hale on February 25th.

Assisting Patrolman Bowers was Chief Michael Combs, Patrolman, Jeremy Sborz, Patrolman William Kattner and Patrolman Kyle Crouse.

In a separate investigation in the borough of Minersville, a second search warrant was executed on Wednesday, February 17th, 2016.

The warrant was executed at the home located at 322 Laurel Street, Minersville.

Inside, Police found Robert P. Mehlman, 59, and his son, Robert Mehlman Jr., 27, both of 322 Laurel St.; Keith M. Kuzio Jr., 22, also of 322 Laurel St.; and, Kris Dean Prutzman, 26, of 219 Laurel St..

During the search, police found 2 glass smoking devices under Mehlman Jr's mattress, and also found a glass pipe with a white snorting straw.

The search also found a metal smoking device, along with some unburnt marijuana.

A glass pipe with suspected marijuana residue was found next to the wallet and cell phone owned by Kuzio.

A black sunglass case containing 3 hypodermic needles, a spoon, and a vial of clear fluid was found under the ottoman that Prutzman was seated on.

Charges were filed on all 4 individuals.

Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers was the arresting officer assisted by Chief Michael Combs, Patrolman, Jeremy Sborz, Patrolman William Kattner and Patrolman Kyle Crouse.