DUBOIS – The Pennsylvania State Police and Sandy Township police discovered evidence of methamphetamine production at a residence on South Main Street in Sandy Township. The suspect was identified as Steven Sunealitis, 53, of DuBois, according to Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.
On Monday, an agent from the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole discovered evidence of methamphetamine production while conducting a routine home visit at the residence of Sunealitis. The agent then informed the SandyTownship police of possible methamphetamine production at the residence.
Sandy Township police, members of the Pennsylvania State Police’s Vice & Narcotics Unit and Clandestine Laboratory Response Team (CLRT) and West Sandy Volunteer Fire Company responded to the scene because of the extremely hazardous condition created during the production process.
A search warrant was obtained for the residence, and all of the equipment suspected to be utilized for methamphetamine production was seized, as well as what is suspected to be final product methamphetamine. The evidence has been sent to the Pennsylvania State Police, Erie Regional Crime Laboratory, for testing.
Shaw stated that Sunealitis was arrested at the location and is currently incarcerated on a state parole detainer. He noted that Sunealitis is currently on state parole after being sentenced Aug. 18, 2006, for a minimum of four years and a maximum of eight years incarceration in the state prison system, for charges related to the production of methamphetamine. Shaw stated that the investigation into the methamphetamine production is ongoing, and he anticipates that charges will be filed pending lab results.
Shaw stated that “meth labs” pose a significant danger to law enforcement, first responders, neighbors and occupants of the location where the lab is operating. He explained that chemicals used in the methamphetamine production process are extremely dangerous, because they run the risk of explosions or poisoning people with toxic fumes created by the process.
Shaw was pleased with the investigative efforts by the Sandy Township police and the Pennsylvania State Police. Shaw was also extremely satisfied with the prompt response and removal efforts completed by the Pennsylvania State Police’s CLRT.
Shaw thanked the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, the Sandy Township police, the Pennsylvania State Police and the West Sandy Volunteer Fire Company for their assistance with this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”