MINERSVILLE — An early-morning traffic stop Friday led to the seizure of more than 12 ounces of suspected crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately $18,000 and the arrest of a woman wanted in Northumberland County, according to Minersville police.
Thomas Lee Smith, 46, of Williamsport, and Kalie Ann Horak, 35, of Pottsville, face felony drug charges following the , incident. Minersville Borough Police Patrolman Brian Gossert conducted the investigation and filed the charges against both defendants.
Traffic Stop on Route 901
According to the Police Chief Jeffrey Bowers and affidavits of probable cause, Gossert was responding to an unwanted-person complaint on Sunbury Street at approximately 3:48 a.m. when he noticed a silver two-door car make an abrupt movement toward the side of the road after his marked patrol vehicle pulled behind it.
A registration check showed the license plate displayed on the car belonged to a Jeep and was expired, police said.
After clearing the initial call, Gossert saw the car again and initiated a traffic stop on Route 901 near Woodside Road.
Police identified Smith as the driver of the silver 2001 Mercedes-Benz. According to the complaint, Smith failed to provide valid registration or proof of insurance, and a records check showed his driving privileges were suspended. Gossert also reported that the vehicle’s inspection had expired in March 2023.
While attempting to determine whether Horak, the passenger, could drive the vehicle, Gossert checked her information and discovered an active warrant from Northumberland County, according to the affidavits.
Horak was detained while police confirmed the warrant, and Pennsylvania State Police troopers responded to assist.
Police Report Finding Suspected Methamphetamine
According to Gossert, Smith gave verbal consent to search the vehicle, and Horak separately consented to a search of her purse.
During the search, Gossert reported finding a smoking device containing suspected marijuana residue, rolling papers and two small marijuana cigarettes. Inside Horak’s purse, he allegedly found a clear plastic bag containing a small amount of a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine.
A subsequent search of the trunk uncovered a black nylon zippered bag containing three clear plastic bags of large, off-white crystalline substances, according to the complaints.
Gossert wrote that the packaging was consistent with methamphetamine distribution. Police then detained Smith.
The affidavits list the suspected methamphetamine’s approximate weight as 12 ounces. A random sample produced a positive field-test reaction for methamphetamine, police said. The seized substances were to be submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police crime laboratory for confirmation of their identity and weight.
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| Photo of drugs found / Minersville Police |
Drug Charges Filed Against Smith and Horak
Smith and Horak are each charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and felony conspiracy to commit that offense. Both also face misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and related conspiracy counts.
Smith additionally faces five summary vehicle offenses involving unlawful use of a registration plate, lack of insurance, an expired inspection, driving while his operating privileges were suspended or revoked, and operating an unregistered vehicle.
Bail and Preliminary Hearings
Both were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli, who set bail at $100,000 cash each. Both were committed to Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post bail.
Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for before Magisterial District Judge Edward M. Lewis.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.