PHILIPSBURG – The owner and an employee of Rebel Towing of Philipsburg are under investigation for allegedly distributing heroin, reported the state police at Philipsburg today.
The Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation North Central Strike Force initiated an investigation into the distribution of heroin in the Philipsburg area and surrounding communities. Their investigation started in December of 2013 and is ongoing at this time.
During the investigation, troopers utilized surveillance to identify individuals who were selling and purchasing heroin from Rebel Towing. This month, undercover troopers started making controlled purchases of heroin from the owner of Rebel Towing, John L. Bowes, and an employee, Walter L. Wagner Jr. The controlled purchases occurred at Rebel Towing, as well as at 1492 Walton St.
According to state police, numerous customers also purchased heroin at Rebel Towing. These individuals were also identified during the investigation, as well as the sources of the heroin.
Yesterday, troopers applied for a search warrant for two business locations for Rebel Towing and the Walton Street residence of both Bowes and Wagner. During the search, troopers seized heroin, drug paraphernalia and approximately $21,000 in U.S. Currency.
State police are being assisted by the Office of the Attorney General, State College; the Centre County District Attorney’s Office; the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office; and the state police at Philipsburg.