A Girardville man is facing a long list of drug-related charges after authorities say suspected methamphetamine and numerous items of drug paraphernalia were discovered during a probation check last month.
According to Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, Derek Edward Balthaser, 37, of Girardville, was charged in connection with a September 16, 2025, incident at his residence on West Main Street.
Troopers reported that a Schuylkill County probation officer was conducting a routine supervision check on Balthaser when he located suspected narcotics and related items in Balthaser’s bedroom. The contraband was found in a bedside stand and beneath the bed.
Among the items seized were a gray resealable baggie containing suspected methamphetamine, two white pills, 30 resealable baggies, seven glass smoking devices, a green scale, syringes, metal grinders, plastic containers, and multiple other pieces of paraphernalia.
When interviewed on scene, police said Balthaser admitted that the white powder was methamphetamine and that the scale and empty baggies were linked to his own use. He denied distributing drugs and stated the items did not belong to his girlfriend.
Balthaser was taken into custody for probation violations, and all items were secured at the PSP Frackville barracks as evidence.
Balthaser has been charged with one misdemeanor count of intentional possession of a controlled substance and more than 50 misdemeanor counts of use or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Court records show a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli is scheduled for November 26, 2025, at 10:15 a.m.