CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man is facing charges after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs.
Brian James Miller, 23, has been charged by Trooper John A. Bacher IV with a felony count of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and misdemeanor counts of intentional possession of a controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia, plus six summaries.
Miller waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. Bail was modified from $50,000 monetary to unsecured.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Bacher was on routine patrol on Fourth Avenue traveling out of Houtzdale around 5:45 p.m. June 25. He passed Miller’s residence and observed his truck pulling out of the yard.
Bacher identified Miller as the driver through the windshield. He was aware Miller’s license was suspended and positive of his identity from previous incidents. Bacher also observed that the truck wasn’t displaying an inspection sticker.
Bacher continued traveling until he could find a safe place to turn around. He later caught back up with Miller’s truck at the Houtzdale blinker light and attempted to run his license plate. However, it was displayed on an opaque cover that was “fogged” over.
Miller’s license plate was reportedly “unreadable” from Bacher’s position directly behind the truck. Bacher proceeded to conduct a traffic stop at the Fuel On Gas Station, located off Spring Street in Houtzdale.
Upon closer inspection of Miller’s registration plate, it was determined to have expired in July of 2017. When Bacher spoke to Miller, he was aware that his license was suspended; his truck wasn’t registered; and he didn’t have insurance.
Bacher said the truck’s windows were tinted enough that he couldn’t see through them; the tires were bald; the headlights and taillights were tinted black; and the truck didn’t have a front bumper.
Miller appeared to be very nervous and was asked if there was anything illegal inside his truck. He replied no. Bacher asked for and received consent to search the truck, and another trooper arrived to wait with Miller while the truck was being searched.
Located inside a lockbox/compartment beneath the front, middle seat were three stamped bags with the word “Fiji” of heroin; a small bag of methamphetamine; a small amount of marijuana; several unknown pills; numerous small baggies for packaging; rolling papers; and a cell phone.
In an interview with state police, Miller said he didn’t know the drugs were inside the truck. He allegedly admitted that the drugs were his but implied they used to be.
State police asked Miller if he put his marijuana into individual bags for his personal use. He replied no, saying the only drugs he’s used since January were Subutex and marijuana.
The heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana were NIK tested and positively identified by state police.