PHILIPSBURG – Several people have been charged for allegedly selling, distributing or possessing heroin, bath salts, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, mushrooms and prescription pills after a drug sweep Tuesday in the Philipsburg area, according to Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller.
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop G Vice Unit from Holidaysburg conducted the drug sweep. It was the culmination of an 11-month undercover investigation by state police to identify and arrest those suspected of trafficking and possessing drugs in Philipsburg Borough and surrounding areas.
The following people have been charged:
- Jacob Morroni, 28, of Osceola Mills
- Stephanie Forcey, 22, of Philipsburg
- Ethan Swarm, 21, of Philipsburg
- Ethan Sperling, 19, of Philipsburg
- Andrew Woods, 27, of Osceola Mills
- Casey Davis, 31, of Clearfield
- Curtis Maines, 28, of Osceola Mills
- Lindsay Shimmel, 22, of Philipsburg
- Joseph Winter, 36, of West Decatur
- Michael Bloom, 21, of Osceola Mills
- Wayde Harris, 27, of Philipsburg
- Brian James,23, of West Decatur
- Brandon Ramos, 28, of Philipsburg
- Jessica Juliano, 39, of Philipsburg
- Lawrence Paul, 45, of Philipsburg
In addition to those people, two teens – a 16-year-old Houtzdale boy and a 17-year-old Sandy Ridge boy – were charged as a result of Tuesday’s drug sweep.
Lt. James E. Emigh, Crime Section Commander Troop G, Holidaysburg, stated, “The drug epidemic plaguing these small, rural communities continues to be one of the top priorities of the Pennsylvania State Police.
“…We encourage anyone with information on the illegal distribution of controlled substances to contact their local Pennsylvania State Police station.”
Parks Miller added, “The illegal drug trade is hurting our community and jeopardizes the health and safety of everyone. I commend the Pennsylvania State Police for the ongoing efforts to combat this issue. Together, we are committed to stopping the dealers.”
