REYNOLDSVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – A Jefferson County man is facing a felony drug charge and numerous misdemeanors after State Police say he overdosed on fentanyl in his basement and later admitted to storing drugs that had belonged to a deceased friend.
According to the criminal complaint, DuBois-based State Police troopers were called to a residence on Stevenson Hill Road in Washington Township, Jefferson County, on December 15, 2024, after 35-year-old Andrew Robert Bowser reportedly overdosed on suspected fentanyl.
During the initial response, troopers found a black box in Bowser’s basement containing vials of powder and crystal substances, the complaint notes.
Police interviewed Bowser at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital shortly after the incident. According to investigators, Bowser told police the drugs had come from the home of a friend who had recently died of an overdose. He claimed he removed them to prevent others from using them or getting in trouble. Bowser also said the drugs were being used to raise money for the deceased’s girlfriend, the complaint states.
According to the complaint, Bowser told troopers that additional drugs were still in his basement. After receiving his Miranda warnings, Bowser reportedly described the contents of the basement. He listed marijuana, a pill press, suspected “Molly,” other unidentified powders, marijuana seeds, and packaging materials, saying they were stored in several locations, including behind a couch and beside his computer chair.
State Police said Bowser did not consent to a search but said he was willing to surrender the items, the complaint notes.
Later that evening, troopers secured a search warrant and returned to Bowser’s residence.
The search turned up over two dozen items, including bags of marijuana, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, methamphetamine, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and tools associated with drug production and distribution. Police also recovered digital scales, pill presses, and packaging supplies, according to the complaint.
A lab report from the PSP Erie Regional Laboratory confirmed the controlled substances, including methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and a mixture containing fentanyl and xylazine. The heaviest seizure was a zip-lock bag containing over 14 grams of MDMA, the complaint continues.
Based on Bowser’s own statements, the materials found, and the results of forensic testing, prosecutors approved charges on May 6, the complaint indicates.
Court records show Bowser was charged with the following offenses:
- Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
- Intentional Possession of Controlled Substance by Person Not Registered, Misdemeanor (six counts)
- Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor (13 counts)
The case is awaiting a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana.
