A Butler Township man is facing multiple felony drug charges following a lengthy narcotics investigation that led to the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana, according to court documents filed by the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office.
Cory Albert Machese, 58, of Butler Township near Ashland, was charged on January 7, 2026, in connection with a December 17, 2024, investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force.
Machese is charged with two felony counts of Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, along with multiple misdemeanor drug possession and paraphernalia charges.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on December 17, 2024, investigators conducted physical surveillance of Machese at his residence located at 86–88 Nater Street in Butler Township.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., detectives observed Machese entering and exiting the residence several times before leaving in a purple Jeep Wrangler. Investigators followed Machese to a wooded trail area along Gordon Mountain Road.
Troopers observed Machese in a wooded, elevated area manipulating rocks along a small rocky ridge. After approximately 15 minutes, Machese returned to his vehicle and was seen placing a plastic grocery-style bag into his coat pocket.
As Machese attempted to leave the area, law enforcement blocked his vehicle. Investigators observed Machese toss the plastic bag into the back seat of the vehicle.
When approached, Machese was ordered out of the vehicle and advised he was the subject of a narcotics trafficking investigation. According to court documents, Machese spontaneously stated, “Alright you got me. There’s meth in there.”
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Machese agreed to speak with investigators.
Hidden Buckets in Wooded Area
Machese told officers that approximately two pounds of marijuana were hidden in a bucket along the wooded path. He then led troopers to a rocky area where a buried five-gallon bucket was located containing two vacuum-sealed packages of suspected marijuana.
During a continued search of the wooded ridge area, investigators located an additional hidden bucket containing three vacuum-sealed packages of suspected methamphetamine. Machese later admitted there was approximately three additional pounds of methamphetamine in that bucket.
During a subsequent interview at PSP Troop L–Frackville, Machese consented to searches of his residences, vehicle, and cellular phones. Investigators seized items commonly associated with drug distribution, including a vacuum sealer, scale, baggies, and other packaging materials.
Laboratory testing by the Pennsylvania State Police Bethlehem Regional Laboratory confirmed:
- Marijuana: 894.6 grams (approximately 1.97 pounds)
- Methamphetamine: 1,770.6 grams (approximately 3.9 pounds)
Investigators concluded that the quantity of drugs, along with packaging materials and statements made by Machese, indicated possession with intent to deliver rather than personal use.
Machese was arraigned on January 22, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli, who set bail at $100,000 unsecured.
According to online documentation, Machese waived his right to a preliminary hearing and the charges will go directly to court.