DUBOIS – Over 30 people were arrested for their connection with a drug ring that was selling methamphetamine and heroin in the area.
During a news conference Thursday afternoon, District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr., DuBois City Police Chief Ronald LaRotonda, Sandy Township Police Chief Donald Routch and DuBois City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio announced that the arrests were the result of a year-long investigation.
The investigation involved both police departments, the Clearfield County Drug Task Force, the District Attorney and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Shaw explained that “Operation Ice Storm” had identified multiple suspects who were arrested Thursday morning. He said police officers were out in the early-morning hours serving warrants and they were able to pick up most of the individuals.
“This is a big victory for drug enforcement,” Shaw stated. He thanked all the municipalities that allow their officers to participate in the task force. Without that cooperation with community leaders, these types of investigations would not happen.
“We are fortunate that officers are out there everyday working on drug cases,” he said.
Shaw also thanked everyone who e-mailed or phoned in tips regarding drug dealers. He said all tips are heard.
“It’s not safe doing or selling drugs in Clearfield County,” Shaw said.
Suplizio pointed out they get complaints saying that the police are not doing enough about the drugs in the area, but he explained it takes time to develop these cases before someone can be prosecuted. He added that he is proud of the police departments.
“We are not going to tolerate this (drugs) in our community,” Suplizio said.
Routch commended the officers for going above and beyond the call of duty and taking this “extra time from their families.”
Most of the methamphetamine coming into our community is not the “one pot” type of meth but a type being produced elsewhere and being brought here to be sold, Routch explained.
LaRotonda said police seized one pound of methamphetamine valued at $91,000, one-and-a-half ounces of heroin valued at $8,400, $27,867 in cash, seven weapons and one vehicle. A total of 27 people were charged Thursday and six other were previously charged in connection with these cases.
Seven others have not yet been taken into custody. They are:
Victor Elliott, 56, Scottsville, Ky., is charged with illegal sale or transfer of firearms.
Cristy Henderson, 30, 23 S. Third St., DuBois, is charged with criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Cassidy Kaizer, 33, 312 W. Long Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Shannon Lathrop, 38, 9 N. Jared St., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Frederick Oddo, 45, 109 E. Main St., Apt. E, Falls Creek, is charged with persons not to possess firearms and illegal sale or transfer of firearms.
Jodi Taylor, 33, 209½ E. Washington Ave., Falls Creek, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of communication facility and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Jason Yusnukis, 25, 300 Quarry Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, operating a methamphetamine lab, possession of liquid ammonia, causing or risking a catastrophe and recklessly endangering another person (methamphetamine).
If anyone has a lead on where any of these individuals can be found, they should call police.
Those arrested Thursday and their charges are:
Joe Alvin, 32, 135 E. Weber Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Shannon Audette, 29, 711 W. Long Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Lacey Dean, 34, 113 Main St., Apt. C, Brookville, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Brian Duttry, 33, 1633 Hungry Hollow Rd., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of communication facility and criminal conspiracy (heroin and methamphetamine).
Joseph Frantz, 27, 1045 S. Brady St., DuBois is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Brittany Keech, 23, 12 Tokarcik Ln., Brockway, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
Joseph Mazza, 23, DuBois, currently in the Jefferson County Jail, is charged with possessing a firearm without a license, persons not to possess a firearm, burglary, criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and aggravated assault.
Eric McDonald, 31, 320 W. Long Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing proceeds of unlawful activities and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Robert Milhomme, 29, Sykesville, currently incarcerated, is charged with theft by unlawful taking and tampering with evidence.
John Pentz, 33, 2015 W. Washington Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance.
Hank Petrillo, 28, 409 Burt St., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Robert Selfridge, 35, DuBois, an inmate of the Clearfield County Jail, is charged with person not to possess firearms and illegal sale or transfer of firearms.
Chapel Schumucker-Peace, 33, 176 Alaska Rd., Brookville, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
Corinne Shannon, 35, 9 N. Jared St., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Nathan Smith, 32, 312 W. Long Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Cindy Teats, 49, 100 Fourth Ave., Apt. 511, Curwensville, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of communication facility (methamphetamine).
Jessica Vickland, 35, 9½ N. Jarred St., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of communication facility and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Jack Yohe, 35m 372 E. Main St., Sykesville, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Kelly Zameroski, 22, 661 Juniata St., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and criminal conspiracy (methamphetamine).
Justin Zeruth, 28, 5727 Wayne Rd., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
In addition, six other individual were previously arrested in connection to this investigation. They are:
Michael Bauer, 29, Pittsburgh, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and hindering apprehension or prosecution.
Nicolette Holzer, 35, Pittsburgh, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and hindering apprehension or prosecution.
Matthew Marley, 41, 324 Knarr St., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.
Brandon Patino, 34, 312 W. Long Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, robbery, criminal conspiracy/robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, persons not to possess firearms, and firearms not to be carried without a license.
Traci Sherwood, 44, 133 E. Park Ave., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Danielle Yontosh, 42, 324 Knarr St., DuBois, is charged with possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.