Carbon County court – drug cases

A Carbon County man admitted to drug-dealing charges in the county court on Thursday afternoon and is facing a state prison term at the time of sentencing.

He was one of five defendants in pending drug-related cases to enter a guilty plea before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II.

Drugs found

Jeffrey Alan Woolson, 50, of Palmerton, pleaded to one count each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance, both felonies, in two pending cases.

Woolson was arrested on the first count on Aug. 3, 2017, when Palmerton police went to his apartment to serve a warrant.

During the service of the warrant, police found 40 bags of suspected heroin and cash of over $500. In a statement to police, Woolson said he didn’t use drugs, he “only sells them.”

The second count stems from a July 1, 2017, incident when the state police crimes unit used a confidential informant to make a drug purchase from Woolson at his residence in Palmerton.

Nanovic deferred sentencing and ordered the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report.

Woolson is currently an inmate in a state prison, serving a term imposed in Lehigh County.

Other pleas

John Daniel Covine, 46, of Tioga, Tioga County, pleaded to one count each of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine, and driving while under suspension, DUI related.

He was arrested on Feb. 3, 2018, following a vehicle stop by Summit Hill police along Laurel Drive.

On the drug count, Nanovic sentenced him to serve two to 12 months in prison, and on the suspension count, 60 days in jail and a fine of $500. The jail terms run concurrently.

He was also ordered to get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment. He was given credit for eight days already served on the charges.

Covine is an inmate in the Luzerne County prison awaiting action of a probation violation.

Michael Vincent Plitt Jr., 31, of Lansford, pleaded to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on Jan. 4 by Nesquehoning police following a vehicle stop for speeding. Marijuana was found.

Nanovic placed him on probation for a year and ordered he get a drug and alcohol evaluation and imposed zero tolerance for drug or alcohol use.

Patrick McLaughlin, 51, of Nesquehoning, pleaded to one count of possession of a controlled substance, contraband into a prison.

He was arrested by Nesquehoning police on Feb. 3 when he returned to the county prison after being out on work release and found to have fentanyl.

Sentencing was deferred as McLaughlin wants to apply for placement in the state’s Intermediate Punishment Program. It was noted he has a detainer filed against him out of Lehigh County for a parole violation that must be taken care of before he can be transferred to a state prison for evaluation for the state IPP.

Jeremy William Smith, 36, of Saylorsburg, pleaded to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on Sept. 22, 2018, by Nesquehoning police following a traffic stop along Catawissa Street.

Smith is currently an inmate in the Monroe County prison, serving a 90-day sentence for a probation violation which runs until July 3.

Nanovic sentenced him to serve one to 12 months in prison, get a drug and alcohol evaluation and zero tolerance imposed for drug or alcohol use. The term runs concurrent with Monroe County.

Each defendant sentenced must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation or parole.