Palmerton man charged with possession of methamphetamine

A Palmerton man has been charged with possession of methamphetamine.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by patrolman Timothy Kromer of the Palmerton Borough Police Department:

At 1:09 p.m. June 7, Kromer, along with patrolman Adam Shimer, were dispatched by the Carbon County Communications Center to the laundromat in the 600 block of Delaware Avenue for a report of a woman being held against her will.

The Comm Center advised that the woman was being held there by Matthew Frederick, 25, who was believed to have warrants.

On June 5, Kromer had confirmed that Frederick had 16 active warrants from the county.

Upon arrival, Kromer covered the rear of the building while Shimer entered to the laundromat.

Frederick was detained and handcuffed without incident.

A search on Frederick was conducted, at which time he said he had a capped needle in his right shorts pocket, which he was wearing under sweatpants.

Shimer removed the needle, as well as numerous other items from Frederick, including a baggie containing a white crystalline substance Frederick identified as methamphetamine.

Frederick also said that he had empty “dope” bags in his wallet.

The wallet, baggie and needle were bagged as evidence, and the remainder of his personal belongings were released at Frederick’s request.

The suspected methamphetamine field tested positive, while the baggie was weighed and totaled 0.6 grams.

Kromer also located three empty baggies in the wallet, as well as two state identification cards, one belonging to Frederick, and the other to the woman.

Kromer also located a fake $100 bill that Frederick said was used to inhale methamphetamine.

At 2:35 a.m. the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene, and Frederick was released into their custody.

Frederick faces charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Sept. 11 before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.