Published May 09, 2008 03:57 pm - Fourteen people, including two juveniles, were arrested early Friday during a city-wide drug sweep conducted by the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force. Officers began rounding up suspects shortly after 6 a.m., and after booking, the suspects were taken before District Judge Carl W. Rice for arraignment. Most were taken to Northumberland County Prison in lieu of bail.
Fourteen arrested in drug sweep
SUNBURY — Fourteen people, including two juveniles, were arrested early Friday during a city-wide drug sweep conducted by the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force.
Officers began rounding up suspects shortly after 6 a.m., and after booking, the suspects were taken before District Judge Carl W. Rice for arraignment. Most were taken to Northumberland County Prison in lieu of bail.
At a Friday afternoon press conference, Stephen Mazzeo, Sunbury police chief, said he was pleased with the outcome of the day’s effort, dubbed Operation Spring Showers. Of 26 warrants originally obtained, only three are still outstanding, he said.
Mazzeo reported three guns, 7.5 pounds of marijuana, 100 grams of cocaine, 2.5 bundles of heroin, nine oxycotin pills and $16,360 in cash have been confiscated.
He praised the work of police officers and noted operations are continuing.
Anthony Rosini, Northumberland County District Attorney, echoed Mazzeo’s praise for the work by police.
He said Robert Buehner Jr., Montour County district attorney, had agreed to put a strong effort into Sunbury, and he said additional warrants will be obtained.
“More boots on the ground are important to address the increase in crime,” he said.
“This is a problem throughout the region,” Rosini said. “We’re continuing our investigations throughout the area.”
“We want it so people who sell drugs won’t be comfortable around here. We want them to take their business elsewhere.”
Mazzeo said several additional arrests had been made over the past several weeks as the operation has unfolded.
Jesse Woodring, Sunbury mayor, said he was pleased by the results of the sweep.
“We’re making headway under our new chief,” he said. “Our goal is to eradicate these drug dealers.”
Those arrested include:
- Angela Marie Hollenbach, 31, 240 Lenker Ave., was charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (cocaine), delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy and possession of a controlled substance.