A Shenandoah man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor drug charges after police allegedly discovered psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia inside a borough residence during the execution of a court-authorized search warrant earlier this year.
Brian Keith O’Connell, 35, of Shenandoah, was charged following a Pennsylvania State Police investigation stemming from a raid conducted on April 25, 2025, at 308 South Jardin Street.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed on July 24th, 2025, by Trooper Rothermel of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice/Narcotics Unit, law enforcement executed the warrant without incident.
A woman was inside the residence at the time. She allegedly provided officers with written consent to continue the search, during which police reportedly uncovered:
During an on-scene interview, the woman reportedly told investigators that the narcotics belonged to O’Connell, identifying him as her boyfriend and the caretaker of the marijuana plants. She also claimed he had at least one known customer.
Based on the quantity of drugs and paraphernalia found, Trooper Rothermel stated that it was his professional opinion that the substances were intended for distribution and not personal use.
O’Connell was formally arraigned on July 25, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, who set bail at $25,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 7, 2025, also before Judge Kilker.
O’Connell faces the following charges:
- Psilocybin mushrooms (111.77 grams)
- Marijuana (293.52 grams)
- Marijuana plants
- Unused foil packaging
- Grow notes
During an on-scene interview, the woman reportedly told investigators that the narcotics belonged to O’Connell, identifying him as her boyfriend and the caretaker of the marijuana plants. She also claimed he had at least one known customer.
Based on the quantity of drugs and paraphernalia found, Trooper Rothermel stated that it was his professional opinion that the substances were intended for distribution and not personal use.
O’Connell was formally arraigned on July 25, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, who set bail at $25,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 7, 2025, also before Judge Kilker.
O’Connell faces the following charges:
- (2) Felony counts of Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
- (2) Misdemeanor counts of Intentional Possession of a Controlled Substance by a Person Not Registered
- (1) Misdemeanor count of Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia