Friday, January 20, 2023

Minersville Police Arrest Man for Drug Trafficking


A Minersville man was arrested Monday after police searched his home as part of a drug investigation in the borough.
On Monday, January 16th, 2023, the Minersville Police Department served a search warrant on a home in the 300 Block of Laurel Street in Minersville.

The warrant was part of a drug trafficking investigation into the sale of drugs by 21-year-old Hezekiah Bethea.

Police say prior to serving the warrant, since the beginning of January, Bethea sold THC vape cartridges, on three separate occasions, to confidential informants.

During Monday's operation and searching Bethea's home, additional marijuana was seized. 

Also, during the operation, two wanted individuals were found inside the home. 

Damian Watson and Joseph Hunt were found in an upstairs bedroom and taken into custody. 

Bethea was charged by Minersville Police Officer Ethan Powell with the three drug deliveries which included the charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Bethea was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $25,000 (10%) bail for each of the deliveries totaling $75,000 (10%). 

Bethea posted bail the following day through a bondsman.

Minersville Police were assisted by Ashland Police Department, Port Carbon Police Department, Schuylkill County Sheriff's Department, and Blythe Township Police.